By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – A 22-year-old woman believed to be a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Tiling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental last Monday.
According to the Army, the surrenderer was an alleged former squad leader of Squad 2, Sentro de Grabidad (SDG), South West Front (SWF) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA.
The former rebel was reportedly operating in the areas of Hinoba-an town, part of Ilog town, part of Candoni town in the occidental side, and Basay town and part of Bayawan City of Negros Oriental, the Army said.
The Army also said that the former rebel was recruited to join the revolutionary movement in 2016. Her recruiters surrendered to the 15th IB in May this year.
She also turned over a .357 revolver with six live ammunition.
Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Cariño, 15th IB commander, said they are grateful for her commitment and willingness to surrender.
“The Army’s 15th IB will continue to support and assist rebels who want to surrender and return to the folds of the law,” Cariño said.
This will give them a chance to start a new and normal life through the government’s integration program, he added.
Meanwhile, Colonel Leonardo Peña, commander of the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said it was a tangible result of the Community Support Program’s efforts that recently cleared the affected barangay in Hinoba-an town.
It likewise manifests the strong commitment of our troops in deradicalizing rebels influence in the far-flung communities,” he added.
