PALO, Leyte — Seven former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to police units across Eastern Visayas during a series of operations over the weekend, authorities announced Monday.
The surrenders took place on 21 and 22 February in the provinces of Northern Samar, Leyte, Samar and Eastern Samar. According to Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), six of the seven individuals are farmers who were previously associated with various communist insurgent units in the region.
Among those who turned themselves in was a 58-year-old man identified by the alias “Robert.” Police said he was a former member of the Buhawi Platoon, which operated in the Leyte municipalities of Jaro, Tunga, Carigara, Capoocan and Kananga.
“Robert” surrendered to the 2nd Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company and turned over a .38-caliber revolver, three rounds of ammunition and a rifle grenade.
Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, regional director of PRO-8, attributed the surrenders to the “positive results of sustained police operations and strong community partnerships.”
“We remain committed to assisting those who return to the fold of the law in leading peaceful and productive lives,” Capoy said.
The regional command stated that the surrenders support the directive of PNP chief Police General Melencio Nartatez Jr. to intensify operations aimed at ending local armed conflict.
The seven individuals are currently in the custody of their respective police units for documentation and assessment.
They are expected to undergo processing for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which provides livelihood assistance and social services to former rebels transitioning back to civilian life.