CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – An alleged squad leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces in the hinterland area of Agay-ayan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental province, military reported Tuesday.
Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23rd IB) First Lt. Roel T. Maglalang told The Manila Bulletin that a certain “Ka Cobs/Botoy voluntary gave himself to the 23rd IB and police forces after realizing of a dark future in the dwindling armed struggle.
The rebel returnee, whose name was withheld for his own safety, was a 22-year old, leader of Squad 2, Sangay sa Yunit Pangpropaganda (SYP) of Kingdom Guerilla Front 4-A of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippine)-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
“The NPA squad leader gave up at 5:50 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 15) and pledged to help the government’s peace and development program,” Maglalang added.
The former NPA leader is now being assisted by field units for his enrollment into the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (ECLIP) of the government where former rebels can avail of cash and livelihood assistance.