3 alleged NPA ‘tax collectors’ yield to Quezon cops

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

LUCENA CITY — Three alleged “revolutionary tax” collectors of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered  on Monday with their firearms to the police in Quezon province.

The Region 4A police reported on Tuesday, April 23, that “Ka Papu/Berto,” “Ka Papa,” and “Ka Abe,” all residents of Sariaya town, submitted themselves to authorities around 4:30 p.m. in the Quezon police headquarters in Camp Nakar in this city.

The rebel returnees, who used to operate in Quezon, were tasked with collecting the so-called “revolutionary tax” as members of the NPA’s Tax Implementing Unit, the report said.

The report said the former communist guerrillas surrendered a caliber .45 pistol, a .38 revolver, Colt commando 5.56mm rifle, ammunition, and three 40mm grenades.

READ: Alleged NPA rebel surrenders in Quezon

The government authorities are preparing assistance for the former rebels in their reintegration protocol under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

A rebel returnee can avail himself of firearm remuneration and housing, medical care, loans, and legal assistance, among other forms of help from the government.

Quezon province was declared free from the influence of communist insurgents in June last year.