TACLOBAN CITY — Two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to police authorities in separate operations on April 22, 2025, marking another significant milestone in the government’s campaign to end local insurgency in Eastern Visayas.
At around 12 noon, a former rebel member identified as alias “Mateo,” 63, and a farmer from Salcedo, Eastern Samar, surrendered in Brgy. Buenavista, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar.
A former member of Squad 2, Tirso Platoon, he joined the rebel group at the age of 19 and spent more than 40 years in the underground movement. He turned over one hand grenade and is currently under the custody of the 2nd Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd ESPMFC) for proper documentation and disposition.
Later that day, at around 4 pm, another rebel member identified as alias “Ka Bert,” 64, and a resident of Carigara, Leyte, surrendered at the headquarters of the 2nd Leyte PMFC in Brgy. Cristina, Calubian, Leyte.
He was a member of the Buhawi Platoon under the Mt. Amandewin Command of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), which operates in the municipalities of Jaro, Tunga, Barugo, Carigara, Capoocan, Kananga, Albuera, and Ormoc City.
His surrender was facilitated by elements of the 2nd LPMFC, along with the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) Intel Trackers; Regional Intelligence Unit 8 (RIU-8); Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT) – Leyte; 805th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8; 34th Special Action Company (SAC), 3rd Special Action Battalion (SAB), PNP Special Action Force (SAF); and the Carigara Municipal Police Station. He surrendered one (1) unmarked caliber .38 revolver and two (2) rounds of live ammunition. He is now under the custody of the 2nd LPMFC.
Police Regional Office 8 Director B/Gen Jay Cumigad lauded the operating units and partner stakeholders for their strong collaboration in facilitating the surrenders.
“These surrenders reflect the success of our whole-of-nation approach against insurgency. With sustained community engagement and intensified police efforts, we continue to help former rebels choose peace and reintegration,” he said in a statement.
PRO 8 reaffirms its support for the government’s efforts under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), urging remaining rebel members to lay down their arms and become partners in peace and progress.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
