Three NPA rebels surrender in Abra

LACUB, Abra -- Three New Peoples Army rebels voluntarily surrendered to authorities here last week and availed of the govenrment’s Social Integration Program.

They were identified as Renato Bernal, a.k.a. Recto/Alex/ Linggon 37, of Lacub; Leomar A. Barbero, a.k.a. Whisky/Brando of Lagangilang town and Winston B. Gaano, a.k.a Jun/ Warner/Sin, 21, of Mataragan, Malibcong, all in the province.

Bernal surrendered without firearm on Nov. 15 to elements of the Joint Armed Forces and Police Intelligence Community composed of personnel from the 41st Infantry Battalion(IB), 503rd Brigade, Military Intelligence Company (MICO), 50Infantry Battalion (IB), Special Operation Team (SPOT 1-5), MIG-1, ISAFP, Regional Intelligence Division (RID) and Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU-14) of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera, and the 24th Special Action Company (SAC) of the PNP-SAF at Barangay Paganao, Lagangilang, Abra.

Bernal was listed Number 7 in the Order of Battle of Abra and also the medical officer of SangayngPartidoPampulitika South Central (TAHOMA) operating in the Bucloc, Daguioman and Sallapadan (BUDASA) area.

The former rebel is now under the custody of the 503rdBrigade for tactical interrogation.

On Nov. 14, Barbero also voluntarily surrendered without firearm to joint elements of 503rd Brigade; 51st IB 5ID PA; 53rd MICO 5ID PA; 50 IB 5ID PA; SPOT 1-5; MIG-1; ISAFP; Malibcong Municipal Police Station and Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) of Abra Police Provincial Office; Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU-14) and the 24th Special Action Company (SAC2) and Special Action Battalion (SAB) of the PNP-SAF.

Barbero who surrendered at Tagodtod, Lagangilang town was identified as the supply officer of the NPA’s Team DOS, SPP South Central (TAHOMA) and he is now under the custody of the 41st Infantry Battalion.

Also on Nov. 14, Gaano, also voluntarily surrendered without firearm to joint elements of earlier said law enforcement units.

Gaano, who surrendered at Pitao, Tayum town was identified as assistant political officer fo same NPA group. The surrenderee is now under the custody of the 503rd Brigade.

Regional police director Chief Supt. Benjamin B. Magalong cited the Abra Police Provincial Office under Provincial Director Senior Supt. Armando Lagiwid, members of the Philippine Army based in Abra and provincial and local officials for the surrender of the NPA rebels.