8 ex-NPA rebels surrender in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — Eight former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in Northern Samar and turned over 13 high-powered firearms.

The Philippine Army described this development as another significant development in its campaign against communist insurgency in the province.

The 8th Infantry Division (8ID), based in Catbalogan City, Samar, said the eight—identified only by their aliases Yanyan, Boy, Jamal, Angela, Junjun, Yana, Tanggol and Sigma—decided to abandon the armed struggle and return to civilian life through government reintegration programs.

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READ: Eastern Visayas police welcome surrender of 7 NPA fighters

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Northern Samar has long been a major area of NPA activity in Eastern Visayas and has been described by the military as the “last bastion” of insurgency in the region. In July, nine other former NPA members surrendered in Las Navas, also in Northern Samar. 

The latest surrender, announced by the 8ID on Sept. 17, came as the military reported continuing operations against remaining armed groups in the region.

According to the Army, the surrendered firearms included 13 high-powered weapons. It said the surrender of the eight former rebels and the recovery of their firearms would reduce the NPA’s capability to operate and threaten communities.

The former rebels may avail themselves of government assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) and the government’s amnesty program, subject to eligibility requirements and applicable laws.

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The programs provide various forms of assistance, including livelihood and financial support, firearms remuneration, skills training, education and health services, aimed at helping former rebels return to civilian life.

In July, the government released more than P5.35 million in assistance to 103 former rebels and former supporters in Samar provinces.

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READ: 103 ex-rebels, NPA part-time members receive P5.35M aid in Samar

The latest surrender was reported days after a ranking NPA leader was killed in an encounter with government troops in Baybay City, Leyte.

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The Army identified Erwin Murillo Maceda, alias “Romnick,” as vice team leader 1 of Island Committee Levox under the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. He was killed during a brief firefight on Sept. 8 in the hinterlands of Barangay Caridad after soldiers responded to information about armed men allegedly collecting money and food from residents. An M16 rifle was recovered from the encounter site, according to the military./coa