NPA squad leader surrenders in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines - A squad commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) who operated in communist hotbed Compostela Valley surrendered recently to the military.

Lt. Col. Lloyd Cabacungan, spokesman of the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command, said the rebel leader, identified as Bernardo Garbo, surrendered to the 2nd Infantry Division in Cavinti, Laguna early this month.

Cabacungan said Garbo was the squad leader of Guerilla Front 27 operating in the towns of Mawab, Maragusan and Nabunturan in Compostela Valley. The former rebel is now living in Lumban, Laguna.

“The rebel related stories of his hardships while in the rebel movement and revealed concerns on the welfare of his family which prompted him to leave the armed struggle,” Cabacungan said in a statement.

Garbo will avail of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which provides assistance to former insurgents.

Under the program, a rebel returnee is entitled to receive P50,000 worth of livelihood assistance and P15,000 in immediate assistance.

Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Caesar Ordoyo said he is hopeful that other rebels would also abandon the armed struggle and live peaceful lives with their families.

There are about 4,000 communist fighters in the country, based on latest military estimates. – Alexis Romero