NPA leader surrenders upon kin's prodding

Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines – A 26-year-old New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Kalinga, who joined the underground movement nine years ago, finally heeded calls by his relatives to stop fighting the government.

Jason Dayag, alias Ka Spike, said to be an NPA squad leader with 15 guerrillas operating in Lubuagan, Tanudan, Tinglayan and Pasil towns in Kalinga, surrendered recently to Gov. Floydelia Diasen.

Dayag finally decided to give himself up after the repeated prodding by his cousins who are members of the police and the military.

Department of Interior and Local Government provincial director Francisco Gamatero said Dayag, accompanied by his father and relatives, came to his house one night to surrender and was advised to undergo the normal process.

Dayag’s ceremonial surrender took place before Diasen at the provincial capitol last Oct. 19.

Diasen told Dayag, who was only 17 when he joined the NPA, “to unconditionally pledge allegiance to the state and be an asset to society.” 

Diasen assured Dayag of assistance under the Kalinga Social Integration Plan: Community Awareness and Acceptance; Force and Arms Management; and Socio-economic Intervention program, which the governor chairs.

Dayag surrendered an M1 US Garand rifle with two magazines.

The former rebel is now processing his documents and benefit claims. – Artemio Dumlao