A PREGNANT New People’s Army leader who commands the rebel group in Davao Oriental surrendered to government troops after a firefight in Lupon town in the province, it was reported yesterday.
The Army’s 10th infantry Division based in Davao de Oro identified the NPA leader as Jocy Villaruel Papasin, alias Domai, secretary of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 18, who is five months pregnant.
10th ID spokesman Capt. Mark Anthony Tito said troops from the 66th Infantry Battalion clashed with Papasin’s group in the hinterlands of Sitio Yauri, Barangay Calapagan in Lupo last Sunday afternoon.
The rebels scampered to different directions, leaving behind Papasin who eventually surrendered to the troops as she was unable to escape.
Troops recovered at the encounter site an M653 rifle, an improvised shotgun, magazines, ammunition, and personal belongings of the rebels.
During military questioning, Papasin said she had been mulling the idea of surrendering long before due to unrelenting military operations against them. She also admitted they are losing support from the people, leading to demoralization in their ranks.
Papasin is currently under the custody of the 66th IB, which is now processing her requirements so she could avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
