Young ‘NPA rebel’ yields to police

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the police in Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, Negros Occidental last Saturday.

The name of the 23-year-old rebel returnee from Kabankalan City, was withheld for security reason.

Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, public information officer of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), said the rebel returnee was confirmed to be part of the armed struggle based on the periodic status report (PSR) list of the police.

Catalogo said that the former NPA rebel will undergo monitoring and evaluation to determine if he’s qualified to avail the benefits of the government as he returns to the mainstream.

The rebel returnee has been turned over to the Army’s custody.

Catalogo said that Barangay Kapitan Ramon is considered a Red area, since there are still sightings of armed men in the area. “Whether galabay or gapundo. Iban may mass-based pa,” he added.

Despite this, he said the local government of Silay is open to accept NPA rebels who would want to surrender.