PIA Press Release
Friday, January 13, 2012

NPA leader, two other rebels surrender

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Jan. 13 (PIA) –- Three more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the government on January 6 at around 10:30 a.m., thru the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8th IB) under Lt. Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commanding Officer, based in Maramag, Bukidnon.

Lt. Jeorge Jallorina, 8th IB Spokesperson, said the three who belong to the ‘Sangay sa Partido Pampropaganda 3, Guerilla Front 6 (SPP3, GF6) operating in San Fernando, Bukidnon, were Nelio Padao alias ‘Raymond’, Judy Padao alias ‘Renan’, and Tenoy Sabuan a.k.a ‘Basag’.

Two of them have reportedly served the organization for several years, while Judy Padao served for three months only.

In a press statement, Nelio Padao, 27, identified as Squad Leader under Ernesto 'Boyboy' Roa Command of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front-GF6 (CPP/NPA/NDF-GF6), said they decided to lay down their arms and go back to the mainstream of society because of the hardships they experienced in the mountains and disappointments with the cause.

They brought with them three high-powered firearms and ammunition.

Hon. Florencio Flores, Jr., Bukidnon 2nd District Representative and Governor Alex Calingasan, meanwhile, held a brief welcome ceremony at the provincial governor’s office.

It can be recalled that on November 15, 2011, eighty (80) Communist Terrorists (CTs) and Militia ng Bayan (MBs), led by Bejamin Salusad alias “Nonong”, also surrendered to 8th Infantry Battalion bringing along with them 25 assorted high-powered firearms.

The governor also expressed hope that with this development, the rebel returnees could help identify other NPA members or even convince the same to surrender, too.

The rebel returnees will receive financial and livelihood assistance from the province through its local integration program, while other benefits and privileges will still be determined by the Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC).

Col. Romeo Gapuz, the Army’s 403rd Brigade Commander, here, welcomed the three NPA rebels who recently surrendered, citing that sociopolitical disparities can be achieved through peaceful means. (PIA 10, Bukidnon)