LEGAZPI CITY (PNA) – Another member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the police in Cataingan, Masbate Friday, July 22.
Police Major Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson, identified the surrenderer as "Ka Ruben," 41, of Cataingan.
"He is an active member of the Larangan 2 (L2), Komiteng Probinsya 4 (KP4), Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) under Rogelio Suson @ ‘Ka Manong’ command, appeared and voluntarily surrendered to the operatives of Masbate 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company," she said in a statement.
She said the successful surrender was a result of the series of negotiations conducted by the unit consistent with Executive Order (EO) No. 70.
EO 70, signed in December 2018, aims to “provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”
Calubaquib said the surrenderer started to be a member of the Leftist group on Aug. 20, 2010 and was recruited by a certain “Ka Kading” in Barangay Manlut-od, Placer, Masbate.
"He confessed that he was part of the offensive attacks and violent schemes of the NPA in the province. 'Ruben' also stated that he wanted to start a new life and finally leave the armed struggle that hindered him and his family to live a normal life," she added.
Authorities had taken the necessary measures in preparation for his enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The program shall pave the way to reintegrate him back into the community and help him begin a new chapter away from the influence of the rebel groups.
Meanwhile, a wanted NPA combatant was collared by police in Cawayan, Masbate Thursday, July 21.
The PRO-5 identified the suspect as Benny Turing, alias “Geny,” 52, of Barangay Libertad, Cawayan.
A report said joint operatives of the Cawayan police station and other police units served the warrant of arrest for robbery with homicide against Turing with no bail recommended.
The report added the suspect is affiliated with the Larangan 2, Komite ng Probinsya 4 under Ruel Ybanez @GEMO command which operates in the third district of Masbate.
"Bicol police shall continue its anti-criminality operation to apprehend wanted persons with pending cases. It shall coordinate with its partner agencies for swift action and ease of transaction on operations to be launched," the PRO-5 report said.