NPA rebel surrenders with firearms in Rizal

CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal: A female member of the New People’s Army (NPA) yielded to government forces, bringing with her several firearms on Tuesday, February 20.

Troops of the 202nd Infantry “Unifier” Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 80th Infantry Battalion together with the Antipolo City Police facilitated the surrender of the NPA amazon who is a member of the communist terrorist group’s rural operational area.

The rebel also surrendered an improvised shotgun, a caliber . 38 revolver, five rounds of caliber .38 ammunition, two rounds of 12-gauge ammunition, and a hand grenade.

The rebel returnee said that on Dec. 26, 2013, she attended the anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines in San Mateo, Rizal, wherein her group ambushed a unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in General Nakar, Quezon as part of their test mission.

Then sometime in January 2017, she revealed she got pregnant by her husband who was also an NPA member, and decided to go on lie-low to prepare for her delivery. She then permanently left the armed struggle after giving birth.

However, fearing she is still on the military’s order of battle, she said she decided to formally surrender to be able to have peace of mind and lead a normal life.

Second Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong lauded the wise decision of the rebel to abandon armed struggle and return to the folds of the law where she could start her life anew.

He also urged the other NPA members to follow suit so they may also begin their new lives with the support of the government through the programs and benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.