By Jennifer P. Rendon
Four remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) have voluntarily surrendered in Panay Island.
The surrenders occurred on three separate occasions, starting with alias Martin, who surrendered to the San Remigio Municipal Police Station in Antique on May 30.
Martin, a 30-year-old from Barangay Igtuble, Iloilo, was a member of the dismantled Southern Panay Front, Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay (SPF, KR-P).
He also turned in his rifle grenade. Martin’s surrender was facilitated through the joint efforts of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) and the PNP. However, he was subsequently arrested due to an outstanding warrant for murder.
The following day, alias En-En/Era, a 23-year-old female squad medic of the dismantled SPF, KR-P, surrendered to the San Remigio Municipal Police Station.
Her surrender was also coordinated by the 61IB and the Antique PNP. She hails from Barangay Poblacion, Bingawan, Iloilo.
On the same day, alias Jean, also known as Bodo and Stick, 35, and his partner, alias Ivy/Bebe, 23, surrendered to the 61IB at Camp Monteclaro, Barangay Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo.
Bodo has pending cases at the Regional Trial Court for various criminal charges, including murder and frustrated murder. He is from Leon, while Ivy is from Maasin, Iloilo. Both are members of the SPF, KR-P.
Meanwhile, a cache of war materials was seized following the discovery of an abandoned NPA harboring site in Barangay Culyat, Valderrama, Antique on May 31.
Troops from the 82nd Infantry Battalion discovered the site while conducting a combat operation.
The recovered items included an anti-personnel mine, an anti-tank mine, a machine gun bipod, a projector, a charger, a SIM card, medical books, medical paraphernalia, approximately 80 meters of rolled wire, and receipts.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, commended the troops and the PNP for their collaborative efforts leading to the surrender of the SPF, KR-P remnants and the seizure of war materials.
“This development shows the tangible outcomes of the strong partnership between the Army and the PNP. These gains are bolstered by the unwavering support of the people of Panay,” Sison said.
He added that this underscores their collective commitment to establishing Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) not only in Panay but also across Western and Central Visayas.
Sison urged the remaining members of the CTG in Panay to follow the example of their comrades and choose the path of peace.
