Army: 12 rebels surrender in Masbate

LEGAZPI CITY—At least 12 suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), two of whom were allegedly commanders, surrendered Tuesday to police and military authorities in Mandaon town in Masbate province.

Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo, Bicol police chief, said in a press statement that the surrenderers were identified only by their aliases.

“Rembo,” a Platoon Commander of the Sentro De Grabidad, and 10 companions, were members of the Larangan Central, KP4-Masbate under the Bicol Regional Party Committee led by Luding Tolingin.

The other surrenderer was “Ka Victor” of Larangan 1 Guerilla Front under the command of Eddie Rosero.

Estomo said the surrender ceremony held Tuesday at Barangay San Juan was significant as the NPA was observing its 53rd founding anniversary.

The former rebels also gave up an Ingram machine pistol, a Magnum 357, two .38 caliber handguns, two 12-gauge shotguns, and several rounds of ammunition.

Estomo said this batch of surrenderers brought more than a hundred rebels in Masbate away from the movement and were in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

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