BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar – Over the past two weeks in May, six active members of the dreaded New People’s Army (NPA), considered by the Philippine government as Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), voluntarily surrendered to the 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion, handing over five high-powered firearms.
These surrenders, facilitated through a joint Focus and Civil Military Operations, mark a significant step towards peace in Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.
Among the recent surrenders was Jevie C Baleña, also known as Largo, a former member of Squad 1, APOY Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Codename: Sesame of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Baleña, aged 24 and hailing from Barangay San Mateo, Borongan City, Eastern Samar, had been with the NPA for over two years, operating in Eastern Samar province.
Following Baleña’s surrender, Arnel Ohaya Encinas, alias Keneth, and Gretchen Gonzaga Patricio, alias Megan, former members of the same squad and platoon, voluntarily turned themselves in along with their individual M16 rifles on May 16. Encinas had been with the NPA for seven years, while Patricio served for four years before their decision to surrender.
On May 17, three more members of Squad 1, APOY Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Codename: Sesame, surrendered to the Battalion. Daniel Ecija Belicario, alias Father, Iluminada Macasojot Belicario, alias Mother, and Jeboy Andor Mabag, alias Sky, each surrendered their respective M16 rifles and ammunition.
These surrenders are attributed to the success of the Enhanced-Friend Rescued Engagement through their Families (E-FReE) program initiated by the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade in General MacArthur, Eastern Samar, last April 29.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph D Bugaoan, the Acting Commanding Officer of 78IB, extended a warm welcome to the new surrenderers, expressing gratitude for their decision to leave the armed group and reunite with their families.
Col. Bugaoan emphasized the Army’s commitment to supporting surrendered members in reintegrating into mainstream society, calling on remaining NPA members to follow suit and embrace a peaceful life.
“Our success in bringing peace and order to our locality hinges on convincing remaining NPA members to peacefully surrender,” said Bugaoan. “Rest assured, you have a true and legitimate government ready to welcome you into a free and happy life,” the Army official said. (With additional reporting and photos from the 78IB)
