Ailing NPA leader yields

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines  – A communist leader in the Cordillera region surrendered to Army officers of the Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division last Jan. 2.

Reports identified the rebel leader as Arnel Balucas, alias Layab, political officer of the Kilusang Larangang Northeast of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) based in Abra province.

Balucas is also the concurrent head of the local education committee and commanding officer of the NPA’s Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda in Abra.

The rebel leader, who yielded a firearm, was reportedly suffering from a still undisclosed illness and needed immediate medical attention.