NPA member surrenders in La Trinidad

February 4, 2020 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Jan. 31 (PIA) — A former rebel surrendered to government authorities in this capital town on Thursday, (Jan.30).

“Ka Wilang,” a member of the New People Army from Sadanga, Mountain Province, surrendered to La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda and Police Regional Office – Cordillera Regional Director PBGen. Israel Ephraim Dickson.

It was witnessed by Benguet Provincial Police Office Director Col. Elmer Ragay and PRO-Cor Regional Intelligence Division Chief Col. Reynaldo Pasiwen.

He also turned over a M1 Carbine firearm with a magazine loaded with 21 live ammunition and a hand fragmented grenade during the simple ceremonies at the municipal hall.

The surrender was facilitated by La Trinidad Municipal Police Station OIC, PMaj. Cleff Vencio together with some relatives.

Vencio said Ka Wilang was a member of the KLG Marco who started as a courier of goods and supplies when he was 15 years old. He operated in the tri-boundaries of Kalinga, Mountain Province and Abra provinces.

“We are delighted that the NPA rebel has decided to surrender and yield back to the fold of law and be given the opportunity to avail benefits from the government where he can start a new life for better future with his family,” said Salda as he thanked the 51-year old man for trusting to surrender at La Trinidad LGU.

Ka Wilang is the third communist terrorist group member who surrendered in Benguet this month. Two former rebels earlier surrendered in Itogon town, Ragay said.

He will be processed and profiled for the availability of the Enhanced – Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and other benefits such as livelihood assistance from the government thru the different line agencies and the LGUs.

Dickson said the government is very sincere to accept the rebels who surrender and go back to the society to live peaceful life. The government is very much willing to help them thru the Whole of a nation approach to end communist armed conflict in the country under the Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Road Duterte.

“It is not only the police and military working against insurgency now but the entire government from the government agencies, law enforcement agencies and the local government units working together to ensure a peaceful community and nation,” he said.

JDP/RMC- PIA CAR