CPP-NPA leader surrenders in Abra

MALIBCONG, Abra -- A Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army leader recently surrendered without firearm here to police following intercession of Vice Mayor Joseph Duggay.

A police report identified the surrenderee as Arnel G. Balucas ,35, single of Barangay Lat-ey here.

Balucas was reportedly the NPA’s KalihimngSamahang Unit Pangpropaganda and political officer of KilusangLarangangNortheast and head of its education group assidce from commanding officer of SandatahangYunit.

He was fetched at SitioAgibo, PoblacionMalibcong by authorities.

At the regional police headquarters in Camp Dangwa, Benguet, Cordillera police chief Benjamin B. Magalong expressed hope the rebel-returnee will serve as example and inspiration to others who are still with the rebel movement to give up their arms and join the government’s Social Integration Program.

The SIP is the government's centerpiece initiative in its peace and development efforts, under which former rebels, now called "KabalikatsaReporma" and their dependents are provided livelihood to facilitate their integration into mainstream society and be productive members of their communities.