Rebel couple surrenders

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to the authorities in Abra, police reported over the weekend.

Robert Arciaga and his wife Rochelle told Abra police director Senior Superintendent Albertito Garcia that they were tired of fighting and living in the mountains.

Authorities said Rochelle was a medical officer of the NPA’s Kilusang Gerilya.

Robert, who was said to be a member of militant group Anakbayan in Caloocan City, joined the underground movement in 2012. He served as vice leader of the NPA “Lerio” team operating in Mountain Province until 2013. He later joined the NPA’s “Ambag” team.

Robert said he was trained in individual combat techniques and other rebel-related activities, but denied having participated in any atrocities committed by the rebels.

Garcia said the couple had no firearms when they surrendered.

The couple’s surrender was facilitated by Tubo Mayor Gilbert Ballangan and town police chief Inspector Rodolfo Tubadeza, said Cordillera police director Chief Superintendent Isagani Nerez.