Rebel couple surrenders to Army

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A husband-and-wife team of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas surrendered Saturday to army troops in Butuan City, signaling their desire to start a new life as a family, military reports said on Monday.

The couple, identified as Marjun Sagay Navarro, also known as “Julia” or “Etol,” and his wife, Rosemarie Garcia, also known as “Marianne,” yielded to troops of the 48th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Anticala.

Both were known members of the Communist Terrorist Group operating in the Caraga region.

They turned over one M16A1 rifle, which authorities say indicates their decision to abandon the armed struggle.

The successful surrender was attributed to a joint operation and community engagement by the 48th Infantry Battalion and the 29th Infantry Battalion, both under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural.

Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Rae Tizon, commanding officer of 48IB, commended the dedication and cooperation of his troops and expressed appreciation to Lieutenant Colonel Mark S. Tabon, commanding officer of 29IB, for their unwavering support in joint efforts to end local communist armed conflict in their shared Area of Responsibility under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army.

“This surrender is a result of our intensified focused military operations and sustained collaboration with local stakeholders,” Tizon stated. “We encourage the remaining members of the CTG to lay down their arms and take the path of peace. The government is ready to assist them in rebuilding their lives.”

Major General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, also lauded the couple for their “brave decision to heed the call for peace and begin a new life focused on building a family.” He described their surrender as a courageous act that “symbolizes hope for lasting peace and serves as an example to others who remain in the insurgency.”

Anayron reiterated his call to remaining CTG members to abandon the armed struggle and embrace a lawful, peaceful life, emphasizing that “it is never too late to start anew with dignity.”

He further underscored the 4ID’s continued support for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which offers livelihood assistance, skills training, education and psychosocial support to help former rebels reintegrate into mainstream society as productive citizens.