NPA leader, 12 others surrender in Samar

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A NEW People’s Army (NPA) leader and 12 of his men surrendered in Hinabangan town in Samar, the military reported yesterday, citing a belated report.

Capt. Jefferson Mariano, spokesman of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID), named the NPA leader as Dino Bachicha, alias Linoy, leader of the Sentro De Grabidad of the NPA’s Bugsok Platoon.

Mariano said Bachicha and his men surrendered to officials of the Army’s 801st Brigade at the brigade headquarters in Barangay Fatima in Hinabangan last January 12.

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He said the group turned over 10 M16 rifles, two cal. 45 pistol and a Glock 17 pistol during their surrender “as a symbol of goodwill and willingness to be integrated back to the society.”

“They also revealed the locations of prohibited anti-personnel mines, medical paraphernalia, and numerous ammunition,” Mariano said.

Mariano said “hardships” and “longingness for their families” were among the primary reasons given by the NPA rebels on why they decided to return to government fold.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, 8th ID commander, said the surrender further weakened the NPA in Eastern Visayas.

“Their surrender only proves that they are fed up with the wrong ideologies of the NPA.

Also, this indicates that their trust and support are now shifted from the CTG (communist terrorist group) to the government,” said Ligayo.

“With this, rest assured that the Army will assist them to avail the benefits under Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program,” he added.

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