Rebel couple surrenders to Army in Sagay

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY—A couple allegedly holding key positions in the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities at the headquarters of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, on Friday night.

Captain Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations officer of the 79th IB, reported that a 31-year-old man from Escalante City and his 27-year-old wife from Calatrava town turned themselves in with the assistance of the Escalante City government.

The husband was reportedly a squad leader, while his wife served as a finance and logistics officer of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF-D), according to Samoza.

The couple was recruited into the armed struggle at the age of 19, married within the rebel camp, and have two children, ages 2 and 5.

Samoza said their children motivated the couple to leave the revolutionary movement. “It was a wake-up call for them, and the downfall of the rebel group also influenced their decision to return to the government,” he explained.

The couple will be assessed to determine their eligibility for government programs, Samoza added.

He noted that a total of nine former NPA rebels, including the couple, have surrendered to the 79th IB this year, along with other rebel remnants who have also returned to the fold of the law.

Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Calaoagan, 79th IB commander, urged the remaining members of the NNF-D to lay down their arms, surrender peacefully, and embrace a life of hope with their families and communities.

The Army cited increasing awareness of government programs and support from various agencies, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders, facilitated through a collaborative and holistic approach, as reasons more NPA rebels are being persuaded to surrender.

“This is one of the indicators that the whole-of-government strategy is working,” the Army stated.