Dismayed by Chinese sea claims, 8 NPAs surrender

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – An official of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Albay and eight other rebels have surrendered to authorities, saying China’s territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea have demoralized them.

 A certain Ka Rolex, NPA vice commanding officer in Albay, and his comrades surrendered to Lt. Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion yesterday.

The rebels received P50,000  in livelihood assistance and P15,000 cash under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“The NPAs have lost their ideological mooring,” Col. Clyde Yucot, Army 901st Brigade commanding officer, said.

Philippine communists are inspired by Maoist doctrine.

Yucot said eight political cadres of the Bicol party committee and 29 NPA regulars are still operating in Albay province.

Brig. Gen. Ignacio Obligacion, 9th Infantry Division deputy commanding general, assured the rebels that the military is determined to convince them to return to the fold of the law.

“It’s not to finish all of you but to help you come back as members of our society,” he said.