TACLOBAN CITY – Two high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the military in Nato village, Taft, Eastern Samar, leading to recovery of firearms, the Philippine Army said on Thursday.
Rolando Romanca alias Arman, commander of the NPA’s Apoy platoon operating in Eastern Samar, voluntarily surrendered on Aug. 20 to the troops of the 52nd Infantry Battalion and 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB).
He brought along with him a medical staff of the rebel group identified as Jovy Mendez. Their surrender was made possible through the local government unit-led localized peace engagement and a program of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade.
Romanca admitted to soldiers that they were highly demoralized by the deaths of their leaders, Joel Gaurino alias Duran, and Martin Colima alias Moki, during encounters this year.
Lt. Col. Joseph Bugaoan, commander of the 78IB, said in a statement that Romanca disclosed on Aug. 21 the location of armed caches with two M16 rifles, 11 magazines, 317 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, hand grenades, subversive documents, and other personal belongings.
Bugaoan said the successful negotiation on the surrender of these former NPAs was attributed to intensified peace and security operations, constant visitation, and engagement with the families and relatives of the remaining NPA members of the Apoy platoon.
“With the surrender of Romanca and Mendez, the Apoy Platoon has only 11 remaining NPA members,” Bugaoan said.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the encouragement of the rebels' former comrades who earlier surrendered is a big factor in the anti-insurgency campaign.
"To the remaining members of the Apoy platoon, I once again urge you to embrace the path of peace before it is too late. Your leaders are already killed and surrendered, which can make you run out of direction, and certainly, you have been demoralized by these successive losses. Our relentless peace and security efforts will continue until every one of you has embraced a peaceful resolution," Vestuir added.
It can be recalled that upon deployment of the 802nd Infantry Brigade in Samar Island on June 1, 2023, the brigade was able to reduce the manpower of Apoy Platoon from 47 to just 11. (PNA)
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