In a significant development over the weekend, four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) turned themselves in to the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5). The surrenders took place in the provinces of Masbate and Catanduanes, as reported by PRO-5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib on Monday. The successful negotiations leading to these surrenders were a collaborative effort involving various units including the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay Team Dayhagan, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Aroroy and Bagamanoc Municipal Police Stations, the Provincial Intelligence Units of Masbate and Catanduanes, San Jacinto Municipal Police Station, and the 96th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. Among the surrendered, ‘Lem’ and ‘Nilo’ were couriers for the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya North, operating under the Sub-Regional Committee of the Bicol Regional Party Committee in Masbate’s second district, led by ‘Ka Jesmar’. Another rebel, ‘Rai’, was part of Larangan 4, Platoon 2, active on Ticao Island, Masbate, and handed over a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition upon surrender. In Catanduanes, ‘Miggy’ disclosed his recruitment in May 2007 by ‘Ka Tabs’ in Barangay San Isidro, Pandan town. The four rebels are set to join the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which offers financial and other support to help them reintegrate into society. Lt. Col. Calubaquib emphasized that the Philippine National Police in Bicol will continue its efforts against criminality and terrorism, aiming for a safer and more peaceful community through public cooperation.
