Top NPA reb in CL surrenders

By George Trillo

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — A top New People's Army chief of the local communist movement in Central Luzon surrendered to Bulacan Governor Joselito Roxas Mendoza early last week.

Supt. David N. Poklay, deputy police director for intelligence and investigation, identified the NPA officer as Sotero Balingit, 39, alias “Ka Bloddy” and “Ka Terry”, of Macabebe, Pampanga, and presently residing in Barangay San Jose, Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Balingit said he joined the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA in 2002, wherein he became a vice commander at the coastal areas of Bulacan, Bataan, and Pampanga.

“Nakokonsiyensa na ako ng husto sa aking mga kasalanan at sa aking pamilya na napapabayaan ko na ng husto dahil sa aking pagsanib sa kilusan,” he said. (“My conscience bothers me due to my sins against the people and for neglecting my family.”)

With his desire to surrender, Balingit contacted his former comrade, now a rebel-returnee, and requested him to contact some Bulacan mediamen to assist him in surrendering.