BACOLOD CITY - A couple who claimed to have strong links with the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the police here on Tuesday.
The two rebel returnees who are live-in partners surrendered through the help of Task Force Kasanag.
They were then endorsed to Police Station 7 led by Capt. Elmer Bonilla, and were brought to Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) during the launching of Table for Peace (TAPE).
BCPO’s Project TAPE is an initiative of the city police force to provide avenue through the establishment of Surrender’s Desk or table at different police stations and units here to enjoin, encourage, and facilitate the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) that are desiring to return to the folds of the government.
The male returnee from Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, was an alleged leader of Platoon 2, Sentro De Gabridad (SDG), South Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS) of Armando Sumayang Command.
He was reportedly recruited to join the armed struggle by a member of the youth sector of sectoral groups when he was 18 years old, and stayed with the Communist Terrorist Movement for more than eight years.
He participated in cultural and street protests until he became an organizer of Kabataang Makabayan (KM).
He came from a family of rebels and his three siblings were killed in previous encounters.
The female returnee from Hinoba-an town was a medic of Platoon 1 Squad 2, of the same rebel group. She was recruited in 2018 at the age of 17 and was first assigned as vice finance.
The couple’s decision to leave the revolutionary movement was due to the alleged maltreatment of their members.
They both decided to surrender in 2020 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, their movements were limited because of the strong presence of police and military on the roads.
During their surrender, they took an oath of allegiance and support before the police. They were also given financial assistance by the local government of Hinoba-an town.
Meanwhile, Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, BCPO director, said they were elated with the decision of the former rebels to surrender to enjoy a good life with the support of the government.
Martir also encouraged other rebels to also do the same and have a normal life.