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NPA leader, medic surrender in Eastern Samar

Philippines | Luzon

NPA leader, medic surrender in Eastern Samar

By Marie Tonette Marticio

TACLOBAN CITY – A New People’s Army leader and medic surrendered to the military in Barangay Nato, Taft, Eastern Samar this week.

Rolando Romanca, commanding officer of the Apoy Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, and medic Jovy Mendez yielded to the 52nd Infantry Battalion and 78th IB.

TAFT EASTERN SAMAR.png

Their surrender was facilitated by the local government unit-led Localized Peace Engagement and Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families or the FReE Families program of the 802nd Infantry Brigade.

Romanca cited the deaths of their leaders Joel Gaurino and Martin Colima in recent encounters as a major factor in their decision to surrender.

He said that the group's morale had been significantly impacted, leading to a loss of motivation and a desire to return to a normal life.

Following their surrender, troops, with Romanca's assistance, discovered an arms cache composed of two M16 rifles, 11 magazines, 317 bullets, hand grenades, and subversive documents on Wednesday, August 21.

Lt. Col. Joseph Bugaoan, 78th IB commander, said that with the surrender of Romanca and Mendez, the Apoy Platoon now only has 11 remaining members.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, 802nd IBde commander, commended troops for their efforts in connecting with the families of the remaining NPA members.

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Surrender New People's Army Eastern Samar Taft

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