Police say 2 NPA guerrillas surrender in Zambo Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Police said two New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas had surrendered to authorities in Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday (April 8)

Col. Redento Retusto, Zamboanga del Sur police chief, identified the two as Ellen Mero Gumabat, 23, and Elbert Tuyac Sumaysay, 25.

Retusto said Gumabat was medic while Sumaysay was head of a team of guerrillas.

The surrender was facilitated by different military and police units in an effort ledby Lt. Col. Bonifacio Aranas Jr., head of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, according to Retusto.

The two gave themselves up to authorities at Dipurihan village of Bayog town.

Retusto said Gumabat and Sumaysay have been with NPA for six years prior to their surrender. They were quoted as saying they longed to “settle down” after seeing former guerrillas rebuild their lives in mainstream society.

Gumabat is from Leon Postigo town  while Sumaysay is from Godod town in Zamboanga del Norte.

The Duterte administration is offering money, livelihood, housing and other perks to rebels if they surrender through a program being implemented by the Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict task force.

TSB