Three NPA guerillas surrender in Ilocos Sur

STA. CRUZ, Ilocos Sur — Three more New People's Army rebels surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 81st Infantry Battalion based in this town. 

This brings the number of rebels who surrendered to 11 since January this year.

Army Lt. Col. Eugenio Osias, who withheld the names of the three, said the surrender is a result of the military's efforts in securing Northern Luzon from communist insurgency.

 Last June 28, NPA rebel “Ka Winter,” a member of Kilusang Larangan Gerilya “Montes” of the CPP-NPA's Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee operating at the boundaries of Abra, Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur, surrendered with his US Cal. 30 Springfield M1 Garand Rifle and three bullets.  

On July 6, two other NPA rebels identified only as “Ka Somer,” said to be the logistics officer and a member of Squad Uno, and “Ka Paul,” the squad leader of Squad Tres, also surrendered. Both were from Kilusang Larangan Gerilya “Marco” that operates in Mountain Province.

“Ka Somer” gave up to the military his Cal. 45 Norinco while “Ka Paul” surrendered his US Cal 30 Browning Automatic Rifle.

“Ka Winter”, Osias said, bared how life was so difficult in the mountains, especially this rainy season. 

“We always run out of food and the military is everywhere,” the rebel was quoted by Osias.

 Meanwhile, “Ka Somer” also told the military that he heard of the government program for NPA rebels through the soldiers based in the area prompting him to immediately surrender. 

Major General Angelito de Leon, commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division commended the former rebels for their decision to lay down their arms in exchange for a peaceful life with their families.  

 “I call on other NPA members to also take advantage and avail of CLIP (Comprehensive Local Integration Program) so that they can start a new life outside the armed struggle,” he said.

Col. Henry Robinson Jr., commanding officer of the 702nd Infantry Brigade where the 81st Battalion is attached, said the successes of those who surrendered would convince other rebels to reconsider their armed struggle.