3 NPA leaders surrender in Capiz

MANILA, Philippines - Three leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Capiz.

Lt. Col. Victor Llapitan, commanding officer of 61st Infantry Battalion, identified the communist rebels as alias Alen, team leader of Squad 2, Baloy Platoon, Central Front-Komiteng Rehiyon Panay; and two others with aliases of Tommy and Mica, both members of Tugalbong Platoon of the CF-KRP.

Llapitan said the group is operating in Tapaz, Dumalag and the boundaries of Jamindan and Mambusao towns.

The three NPA leaders surrendered upon the intercession of Tapaz Mayor Rose Gardose and barangay chairman Remy Katipunan.

“They said they have been thinking about their families and their desire to give them a better future,” Llapitan said.

Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), assured communist rebels that they would accept anyone who want to lay down their arms.

“Together with local government officials and other stakeholders, we will help and assist them to integrate and live peaceful and normal lives,” he added.

Guerrero said 18 communist rebels have surrendered in the past five months.