3 NPA rebels surrender

CEBU, Philippines -  Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered on Monday at Sigma town in Capiz, military authorities said.

Colonel Arnold Quiapo, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, revealed that two of the combatants were women and served as medical officers of the movement.

The 26-year-old Joecel Labanza, who carried the aliases Jacky and Nhene, was operating under the Igabon Platoon of the PNP’s Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P) under Joan Diaz alias Jerry, said Quiapo.

The other rebel, 34-year-old Precy Ortizalias, who entered the movement in 2003, claimed to be operating in Montalban, Rizal under a certain commander named Rhea.

Ortizalias, a native of Mambusao town in Iloilo, has a husband-rebel who died during an encounter against government forces in the past.

The third one was Leo Glorian, 26, alias Rio, who was the finance and logistic officer of Tugalbong Platoon, KR-P under Juvy Benedicto alias Bobong.

The three surrendered to 1st Lt. Roldan Castillo and T/Sgt. Francisco Alvarez, intelligence officers of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

They claimed that hardships while on the mountains, coupled with failed promises and growing concern for the safety and welfare of their families, led them to leave the armed struggle.

Quiapo said the three rebels carried no gun when they turned themselves in. “Wala na kasi ang monetary remuneration kapag nag-surrender ka ng baril. On top of that, if they brought along their firearms, they will have a blood debt with the movement. Hahanapan talaga ng paraan para mapatay sila,” said the official.

The Philippine Army leadership was expecting more rebels to surrender soon. “We have received information of the growing dissatisfaction and internal strife within their movement,” Quiapo added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr, 3rd ID commander, reiterated his call for peace with the rebels, and he also assured them that the government will do everything for their security and personal safety.

“Together with the rest of our stakeholders, we will help them with their relocation and livelihood training as they return to the mainstream of the society,” Mabanta said.  (FREEMAN)