10 NPAs surrender to Ilocos police

CAMP OSCAR FLORENDO, La Union – Ten members of the Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Makabayan and Kilusang Larangang Guerilla de Lara of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army surrendered to the police regional office based here the other day.

Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, Ilocos regional police director, said "Winning the war without firing a shot, the police force in Region 1 is gaining headway in its campaign against communist insurgency. He identified the surrenderees as Ka Romy, Ka Alan, Ka Hajie, Ka Ilyong, Ka Tony and Ka Ruby all from Ilocos Sur. Surrenderees from La Union are Ka Gina, Ka Lani, Ka Jerome and Ka Guiller, respectively.

Bataoil said their voluntary surrender was done after a series of negotiations made by his men from Ilocos Sur, La Union, Regional Mobile Group 1, Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division and the 503rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army. Bataoil said the rebels claimed that life was difficult being constantly on the run with the intense police and military operations. He added they heard the call for them to leave the rebel movement through his radio programs. Bataoil said they want to live in peace. — Eva Visperas