CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – In a significant step towards peace, two senior leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas have surrendered to authorities.
Alias Leo/Omer/Lovely, former Squad Leader of Squad 2, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), and alias Mael, former finance officer of P2, Front Committee 15 (Dismantled), both from the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Arctic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), surrendered to the 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB) in Brgy. Dapdap, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on August 17, 2024.
On August 16, 2024, alias Abner, a former member of the Batakang Organisasyon sa Partido (BOP) from Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar, also withdrew support from the rebels at the 19th Infantry “Commando” Battalion (19IB) in Brgy. Opong, Catubig, Northern Samar.
Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, Commanding Officer of the 20IB, attributed these surrenders to focused military operations and local peace efforts led by the 803rd Infantry “Peacemakers” Brigade of the Philippine Army.
“Continuous implementation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), supported by local government units and stakeholders, has significantly weakened the CTG and their mass support,” Lt. Col. Villaflor stated.
From July 1, 2022, to August 9, 2024, 94 NPA members have been reportedly neutralized by the military, including 16 high-value individuals and 14 key leaders who have surrendered, been apprehended, or killed. The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) has also recovered 148 firearms and seized 90 anti-personnel mines.
Maj. Gen. Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander of the 8ID, emphasized that these developments reflect the military’s and government’s ongoing commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
“This shows that CTGs in the area are now leaderless and increasingly powerless. The Philippine Army’s persistent efforts are ensuring that no one is left to bring violence to our communities,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo said.
He also urged remaining NPA members to surrender and take advantage of government assistance to start new lives. | The Samar Chronicle
