2 NPAs, 49 sympathizers surrender in Quezon

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

LUCENA CITY – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government representatives in Lopez town in Quezon province on Friday and Saturday.

The Quezon provincial police, in a report on Sunday said Florito Hugo, alias “Ka Barbie,” voluntarily turned himself in to the police, Army and local government representatives in Barangay  San Rafael on Friday.

The next day, Ernesto Padilla, another NPA militia unit member followed, after Unisan town Mayor Ferdinand Adulta facilitated his surrender.

The rebel returnees, who used to operate with communist guerrillas in Quezon, did not bring any firearms with them during their surrender.

The police also reported that Ronilo Macatangay, classified as a local member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) also surrendered to authorities on Saturday.

Meanwhile, at least 49 NPA supporters from 10 barangays in San Narciso and Unisan towns have vowed to abandon the rebel movement.

The two municipalities are located in the province’s Bondoc Peninsula district, a known former NPA bailiwick in the Southern Tagalog region.

Those who surrendered will be listed in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program that extends financial and livelihood assistance to former communist rebels and allies who returned to the fold of the law.

gsg