NPA leader in Davao surrenders

DAVAO CITY — A ranking leader of the New People’s Army operating in Southern Mindanao surrendered recently to authorities after being with the communist movement for 26 years.

Jaime Mijares, alias Ka Rodel, 43, sought the help of barangay officials in Paquibato District for his surrender last Friday after health problems, age and family pressure caught up with him.

Davao City Mayor Benjamin de Guzman presented Mijares to the media only last Tuesday afternoon following procedural interrogation by both police and military personnel.

Mijares reportedly replaced Leonardo Pitao, alias Kumander Parago, who was behind the abduction last year of Army Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo and his aide, Capt. Eduardo Montealto, in the hinterlands of Davao City.

Pitao was captured early this year by the Army’s intelligence group while recuperating from an illness at his residence in Barangay Bago Oshiro, this city.

The surrender of Mijares is reportedly a big blow to the communist movement in Southern Mindanao after the capture of Pitao and the surrender of two other top NPA leaders earlier this year.

Aside from his involvement in the Obillo case, Mijares also took part in several ambuscades and encounters with government forces at the foot of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest mountain.

He was reportedly also among the communist guerrillas who liquidated militiamen in the area in the late 1980s. — Edith Regalado