TACLOBAN CITY –– At least five alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the top policeman in Eastern Visayas on Tuesday, Jan. 12.
Those who surrendered to Brigadier Gen. Ronaldo de Jesus were identified only through their aliases: ‘Bening,’ 26; ‘Bebot,’ 45; ‘Jinky,’ 29; ‘Narcing,’ 58; and ‘Nora,’ 59.
The former rebels were part of the sub-regional committee, which operates in Samar province.
They also surrendered several firearms consisting of a caliber.45 pistol loaded with three ammunition; M1 Garand rifle with one magazine clip loaded with eight ammunition for caliber 7.62 mm, eight live extra ammunition for the same caliber; and a carbine rifle with one magazine loaded with 12 live ammunition.
De Jesus said the rebels decided to return to the fold of the law as the Philippine National Police, together with other government agencies, strengthened the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 that aims to end the long-running insurgency in the country.
“The return of these rebels to the folds of law is a promising development for this year. As they pledge loyalty to the government, the police force in the region also guarantees to give necessary assistance so they could start living in genuine peace again,” the regional police director said.