TACLOBAN CITY—Three alleged members of New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), have surrendered to police in Northern Samar province.
The three former rebels, who were identified only as Ka Eldy, Ka Redy and Ka Justin, were presented to Col Arnel Apud, the provincial police chief, on Monday (Feb. 15).
Ka Eldy, 52, is allegedly leader of NPA’s Agila Squad sub-regional committee Arctic and had been operating in the towns of Catubia and Las Navas in the province. Ka Redy, 25, is allegedly a member of the education team of NPA.
Ka Redy has a brother, Ka Andy, who was captured by government soldiers in 2011.
Ka Justin, 28, is allegedly a member of the SRC Emporium, sub- regional guerrilla unit called Amihan and served as a medical officer of the team.
The three also surrendered their firearms to Apud.
“I am personally happy with your decisions to return to the government and live a peaceful life far from violent armed struggle,” Apud quoted himself as telling the surrendered rebels in a statement.
Apud’s statement said the three surrendered because they were already tired of being on the run and wanted to be united with their families.
“Their act of surrendering is a clear manifestation that they have come to realize that they joined the wrong ideological organization,” said Apud.
“With this, I encourage the remaining members of NPAs in the province to make the best decision in laying down their arms, start a peaceful and meaningful life with their loved ones, and avail (sic) of the government’s reconciliation program,” Apud said.