4 NPA youth supporters surrender in Eastern Samar

PALO, Leyte, Philippines — Four members of the Kabataang Makabayan (KM), an underground youth group supporting the New People’s Army (NPA), surrendered in Barangay Jiwaran in Jipapad, Eastern Samar on Sunday.

The four students, aged 15 to 17, admitted their affiliation with the communist rebel group to police personnel who were conducting the government’s retooled community support program (RCSP) in the barangay.

The RCSP team has taken the four minors under its custody.

The Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas said it coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide appropriate guidance and services to the surrenderees.

“Our policemen have sacrificed a lot in relaying the government’s message and thrust to educate the people about the NPA’s fraudulent acts and manipulation of the youth,” regional police director Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said. “With the surrender of the students from KM, we are gaining ground in our campaign against terrorism.”