ORMOC CITY, Leyte – A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered and disclosed the location of his firearm in Samar on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Renel Sablan, alias Bay, a Squad Leader of Squad 2, Apoy Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee-SESAME, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), surrendered to the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion. He led government forces to the site where his M16 rifle was buried. Sablan’s surrender was facilitated by the recently surrendered NPA couple, Arnel Encina alias Keven and Gretchen Patricio alias Megan, along with Sablan’s family and the local government unit of Pinabacdao, Samar.
From January to May this year, ten NPA members from the Apoy Platoon have surrendered, turning over six M16 rifles, leading to the dissolution of Squad 1. These surrenders were made possible through the persistent efforts of the families of active NPA members, encouraging them to surrender peacefully as the remaining armed group members are constantly on the run.
“I am already tired of running and hiding due to the intensified military peace and security operations. As I have observed, the NPAs are also no longer welcome in the community,” Sablan said in the vernacular, explaining his decision to surrender.
Colonel Rico Amaro, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, witnessed the local government units (LGUs) in Samar welcoming and assisting the surrendered NPA members through the LGU’s Local Social Integration Program.
“I commend the families and LGUs of the surrendered NPAs for responding to our united call to end the local communist armed conflict through peaceful means. These efforts will facilitate social healing for families who have suffered from broken relationships and the loss of loved ones to the CPP-NPA-NDF,” said Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade.
“I call upon the remaining NPAs in Samar and Leyte Islands to embrace the path of peace. It is only a matter of time before the long arm of the law catches up with you. Please listen to the pleas of your loved ones and the LGUs, and secure a brighter future by reuniting with your families and loved ones,” Vestuir concluded. (Press Release)
