Farmers’ group leader, pal flip vs NPA

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) supporters yielded to authorities recently.

Fidel, 66, and Kano, 31, (not their real names) both residents of Barangay Bungsuan, Dumarao, Capiz turned themselves in to the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army in Dumarao, Capiz morning of July 7, 2021.

Fidel has been known as an active mass protest leader in Capiz province being chairman of Kahublagan ng mga Mangunguma sa Capiz (KAMACA), which is believed to be an affiliate of PAMANGAS group.

He was an active “rebel supporter” since 1992 but became inactive following the death of Remy Beraye.

Beraye, along with Federico Diaz of Barangay Mahabang Sapa, Cuartero, Capiz; and Allan Lerona alias Felizardo Cerilo of Mambusao, Capiz, were killed during an encounter in Cuartero, Capiz on Nov. 7, 2017.

The three were alleged members of the NPA’s Nonito Aguirre Sr. Command.

Fidel decided to disband the group after almost three decades saying that he wanted to live a normal life.

Meanwhile, Kano claimed that he was recruited by alias Val and alias Bong sometime in 2011. He left the group the following year.

While he was with the group, he allegedly served as a security personnel when the rebels were collecting extortion money in the guise of “revolutionary tax.”

Kano turned over two pistol-type homemade shotguns with three ammunitions and a 40mm grenade launcher ammunition.

He said he surrendered to clear his name.

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) said the continued surrender of NPA members and their supporters is part of the convergent efforts of the PNP and AFP intelligence community and village officials.

It said local officials have been effective in convincing their constituents into supporting the government in its efforts to end local communism.