Self-confessed NPA surrender in Surigao

A MEMBER of Manobo tribe who joined the New People Army (NPA) surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion at its headquarters in barangay Dayo-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur at 9 p.m. on Sunday.

1lt Jonald Romorosa, the Civil-Military Operations officer of the 36th IB, identified him as alias Jobert, 20, single, and a resident of Barangay Agsam, Lanuza, SdS.

Jobert was reportedly a member of Team Baking, Squad 1, Guerrilla Front 30 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. He brought along one AR-18 (Elisco) bearing SN 035073, one magazine with eight bullets, and two anti-personnel landmines.

According to Jobert, he joined the rebel group due to adventurism. He was also deceived by the false promises about helping uplift the lives of the poor as one of the soldiers of the masses.

“Life there was so difficult. Every day we roam the mountains looking and seeking for an answer to our cause. I voluntarily surrendered because I was afraid that maybe one day, my life will be in danger and a possibility that someday I cannot see my family anymore,” he said

He said his last contact with the NPA was in May of this year.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, commanding officer of the 36th IB, said

the NPAs hold on Surigao del Sur is on the verge of a collapse. “They are continuously losing their regular members and fighters. In this light, we call on to the remaining CTGs members to abandon their armed struggle and join the government,” he said.