CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — On Wednesday, the wife of a recently slain New People’s Army (NPA) leader surrendered to military authorities in Barangay Vigan, General MacArthur, Eastern Samar.
Liza Paclita, alias Yana, turned herself in to the 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB), operating under the 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBde). Paclita, a former member of the dismantled Apoy platoon, is the spouse of Joel Gaurino, alias Duran, who was killed in an encounter last week.
Paclita disclosed her fear of meeting the same fate as her husband as her motivation for surrendering. She reached out to his family, who had been urging her to surrender peacefully with assurances of her safety and security.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bugaoan, Commander of the 78IB, attributed Paclita’s surrender to intensified security operations, ongoing engagement with families and relatives of remaining squad members, and the cooperation of barangay officials and former platoon members.
Earlier, Lando Yape, alias Rose, a surviving member of Gaurino’s group, also surrendered to the 78IB just days after a firefight with government forces. Yape handed over two M16 rifles and other war materials upon his surrender.
Bugaoan noted that the recent surrenders reflect growing demoralization among group members and a lack of direction following Gaurino’s death. He highlighted the success of the Enhanced Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (E-FReE Families) program, which facilitates family assistance in encouraging NPA members to seek military help.
“The surrenders of Yana and Rose are the result of relentless follow-up operations and our E-FReE Families program, which helps families of active NPA members connect with military authorities. Both individuals are now happy and reunited with their families,” Bugaoan said.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Brigade Commander of 802IBde, praised the troops for their dedication in reaching out to the families of remaining NPA members. He also thanked the families and former comrades for their support in pursuing sustainable peace in the province. Vestuir called on others to follow suit and reunite with their families to live peacefully in their communities.
“To the remaining members of Apoy platoon, I urge you once again to embrace the path of peace before it is too late. Your leadership has collapsed, and your ranks are demoralized by successive losses. Our peace and development efforts will continue until every last one of you chooses a peaceful resolution,” Vestuir said. | via Ricky Bautista
