By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Police and military forces rescued two pregnant women, who were alleged high-ranking officials of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Siaton, Negros Oriental last Monday.
According to the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (IB), “Sarah” is five months pregnant, while “Aubre” is nine months pregnant, and both were allegedly part of the dismantled Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (SEF, KR-NCBS), situated in Sitio Katubahan, Barangay Tayak.
“Sarah,” was an alleged member of Squad 3 and Taxation Team, while “Aubre,” was an alleged Educational and Finance staff and Assistant Political Officer, the Army said.
The medical team of the 11th IB and the local police transported them to Cong. Lamberto L. Macias Memorial Hospital in Siaton town for medical check-up.
Aside from them, two other NPA rebels also surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the Army in Barangay Milagrosa, Sta Catalina town last Sunday.
They were identified as “Ka Delfin,” an alleged member of Squad 3 of Samahan ng Yunit Pamproganda, and “Ka Bombo,” an alleged Political Guide of Squad 2 of the same dismantled rebel group.
They brought with them an M16 rifle with defaced serial number, two magazines of M16, 30 rounds Ctg 5.56mm ball, a rifle grenade, a bandolier, and a .38 caliber revolver with five live ammunition.
In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Aquino, 11th IB commander, said the successful conduct of this operation stemmed from the information given by the residents of Barangay Tayak and Barangay Milagrosa.
“Rest assured that the government forces will continue to intensify our efforts to search the remnants of the dismantled front and ensure that the peace and security of our area of operation are sustained,” he added.
The 11th IB with the provincial government will facilitate the reintegration of these four personalities to avail the programs and projects of the government under the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Meanwhile, Major General Marion Sison, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID) commended the security forces and the local government unit for their collaborative efforts that led to the successful anti-insurgency drive.
“Rescuing pregnant NPAs is not only about saving these mothers from the hardships and violence within armed groups but also about safeguarding the lives and future of their little ones,” Sison said in a statement.
Sison said the soldiers and police officers have truly performed commendable and heroic acts in rescuing these women.
“This noble deed underscores government forces’ genuine commitment to ending the local communist armed conflict,” he added.
Sison urged the remaining NPA rebels to lay down their arms, especially in this holiday season, to celebrate Christmas and start anew with their families.
