Rebel couple surrenders

CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – A couple, said to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and was part of the “Morong 43” group, reportedly surrendered to the government in Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro, the military said on Friday.

Ronald Muñez Ebon, 30, alias “Ka Eugenio” and “Ka Rod,” and his partner Emily Marquez, 28, alias “Ka Winnie” and “Ka Diway,” yielded to their relative, retired police Major Augusto Viray.

Ebon and Marquez, who confessed being members of the NPA group Plaguer operating in MAPSA (Mamburao-Paluan-Sta. Cruz-Abra de Ilog) area of Occidental Mindoro province told authorities they no longer want to be part of the rebel movement and the life of being always on the run.

Ebon was a squad leader and intelligence officer of the rebel group, while Marquez was a medical officer, according to Chief Inspector Noel Briones, head of Sta. Cruz police.

During interrogation, the two reportedly admitted that they were part of the “Morong 43,” a group of medical personnel and human right activists who were arrested by the military in Morong, Rizal in 2010.

Lt. Col. Mario Africa, head of the Army’s 76th Infantry Brigade based in Occidental Mindoro, said they welcomed the couple’s surrender as he noted the government is open to rebels who want to return to the folds of the law.