4 ranking NPA members surrender in Negros Oriental

BACOLOD CITY – Four ranking members of the Communist Party of the Philippines—New Peoples Army in Negros Oriental surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion on Saturday, August 7.

Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11 Infantry Battalion Commanding officer, identified the surrenderers as Jango and Jay, both members of Regional Striking Force (RSF), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS); Rodel, vice squad leader of Squad 3, Central Negros 2; and Bong, the remaining squad leader of South East Front.

Bong surrendered one .45 caliber pistol with 22 live ammunition, while Rodel yielded one .45 caliber pistol with six live ammunition.

“Realizing that this is for the betterment of their lives and their families, they surrendered themselves to the government with the help of the troops,” Salayo said.

The Army’s 11IB will assist the surrenderers to enroll in the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Salayo lauded the courage of the four surrenderers to choose the right path and leave behind the armed struggle.

“The surrender of these ranking communist terrorist is a clear indication that they are demoralized and fed up with the atrocities and ruthlessness of their group,” he said.