CATBALOGAN CITY (2nd UPDATE) — Jose Esponilla, known as Apoy, a veteran member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who served in Northern Samar for 38 years, has found redemption and a new beginning with legal support from the 74th Infantry Battalion and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of Mapanas.
Esponilla surrendered last April 20, 2023, according to records from the 74IB. He was a former Secretary of the SECOM FC-15 SRC ARCTIC of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee operating in Northern Samar.
In a symbolic gesture of his commitment to peace, Apoy surrendered his service pistol caliber .45 in the presence of military and LGU officials. Following his surrender, he received initial assistance from the government and is now undergoing processing for additional benefits, including free housing and livelihood training under the E-CLIP program.
The military disclosed that the seven cases filed against him during his active involvement in the movement, previously brought to RTC Branch 38, have now been dismissed.
The dismissal of these cases signifies a profound change in Apoy’s life and serves as a beacon of hope for other NPA members. His story demonstrates that there is always a possibility for change and a path to peace.
“This proves that there is still hope for all NPA members to change their lives. It also shows the government’s strong sincerity to peacefully end the rebellion,” said Lt. Col. Jose Roy Manuel N. Dizon, commanding officer of the 74IB.
Alias Apoy played a significant role in the major engagement of the military, resulting in the surrender of several full-time NPA members in the Pacific towns.
The acceptance and support from the government, through the 74th Infantry “Unbeatable” Battalion and MTF-ELCAC of Mapanas, highlight the government’s commitment to ending the rebellion peacefully and providing opportunities for former NPA members to reintegrate into society.
