Three ex-NPA rebels yield in Escalante

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Three alleged former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the police in Escalante City, Negros Occidental last week.

Police Executive Master Sergeant Artus Escuadra, city executive senior police officer of Escalante City Police Station, said that these rebel returnees surfaced at the police station through the help of the local government on January 3.

Escuadra said they were alleged members of the NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle Command, Northern Negros Front, aged 26, 30, and 31.

Escuadra said they decided to return to the folds of the law while they were on vacation from the armed struggle.

“Nakamuklat siguro, nakapaminsar sila, wala na nagbalik sa babaw para makapangabuhi na sila sang insakto,” he added.

He did not provide more details about their identities for their safety. He said they will be processed so that they can avail of government programs.

Meanwhile, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command slammed the police for this development, claiming it as a “fake surrender.”

In a statement, Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson of the rebel group, said they have no active members in the city who surrendered to the police in the past days.

But for the police, Escuadra said they respect the allegation of the NPA.

“Ang sa amon lang, in good faith na gin process namon kay nagpalapit ang ining mga tawo para matagaan chansa nga magbalik sa gobyerno,” he added.