UP grad-turned NPA surrenders to military men

By Liza Agoot

ASIPULO, Ifugao -- A graduate of University of the Philippines, Diliman who joined the New People's Army in April 2022 surrendered to local Army troops after fleeing from an encounter here on May 30.
    "With the help and kindness of the Army troops, I was rescued from an encounter in the hinterlands of Ifugao," said Iego Ma. Emannuel J. Tan, 28, also known as Bagins in the communist group.
    Tan was a member of UP Anakbayan in 2012 and got his Bachelor of Science degree on Community Development from UP Diliman in 2016. He is also an active member of Concerned Artists of the Philippines since 2019.

In his signed affidavit, Tan opted to stay under the custody of the Philippine Army for his protection against the NPA threat to his life.

"We are currently providing appropriate security assistance to Emman (nickname of Tan) as requested," said Brig. Gen. Krisnamurti Mortela, the 702nd Brigade Commander who facilitated the rescue of Tan. "He is aware of his wrongdoings based on his affidavit, and our legal unit are following the legal process in dealing with his case on this matter."

Based on available data, a total of 18 students or graduates from UP who joined the NPA were killed in armed encounters with government security forces as of February 2022.

Meanwhile, Cordillera police said authorities discovered the remains of Renato Guinez, also known as “Siway”, and “Jeffrey”, a member of the weakened guerilla front Ampis following the encounter on May 23 and 24 in Asipulo.