A COUPLE and their 18-year-old son, all members of the New People’s Army (NPA), surrendered while 120 NPA supporters withdrew support from the rebel group in Isabela and Nueva Ecija on Tuesday when the NPA marked its 53rd foundation anniversary anniversary, according to the military’s Northern Luzon Command.
The military said Joel Almonte alias Alpha, 40, his wife Therese Almonte alias Teresa, 35, and their son Marvin Almonte alias Marvin and Rikson, 18, were members of the Section Guerrilla Unit of the Komiteng Probinsya Isabela.
They surrendered to the Army’s 86th Infantry Battalion, under Lt. Col. Joseph Flores, in Barangay Sindon Bayabo in Iligan City in Isabela on Tuesday afternoon, bringing with them three M16 rifles, three magazines and assorted ammunition.
The military said the three were recruited by SGU leader Davao Infiel in February 2016.
Infiel reportedly promised the family of a better life if they join the NPA but this was not fulfilled.
Infiel died in a firefight with forces of the Army’s 95th Infantry Battalion in October last year.
In Nueva Ecija, 120 NPA supporters cut their ties with the communist group during a withdrawal of support ceremony in Barangay Bonifacio in Cuyapo town also on Tuesday.
The 120, all members of the Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid and Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid, took their oath of allegiance to the government and burned NPA flags.
