In a significant development in Masbate province, six members of the New People’s Army (NPA) chose to surrender over the weekend. The surrender took place at the Esperanza Municipal Police Station in Barangay Poblacion, as confirmed by Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5). The former rebels turned in an improvised 12-gauge shotgun along with a single live round of ammunition. These individuals were part of Platoon 1, Kilusang Larangan Guerilla 2, Sub-Regional Committee 4, and the Bicol Regional Party Committee, operating under the leadership of Rogelio “Ka Manong” Suson in the third district of the province. They confessed to having taken part in various meetings and rallies led by someone known as “Ka Denden.” The successful surrender was the result of coordinated efforts by the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Esperanza MPS, the 2nd Infantry Battalion, and the 96th Military Intelligence Company of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division. Lt. Col. Calubaquib stated that the returnees would participate in a thorough debriefing and would be integrated into the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. This program aims to help former rebels reintegrate into society by providing them with livelihood assistance, skills training, housing support, and psychological and social rehabilitation.
