NPA couple in N. Samar yields

CEBU, Philippines -  A rebel couple in Northern Samar has surrendered to soldiers of the 34th Infantry Battalion based in Palapag town, a PIA-8 report said.

Couple Ruel "alias Bulay" Sirse, 35, and Melly "alias Mica" Esponilla,45, admitted to be active members of the New People's Army with Sirse reportedly a squad member and Esponilla a part of the NPA medics team.

Captain Amado Gutierrez, public affairs chief of the 8th Infantry Division, said the couple, who admitted to be cohabiting, yielded to the government troops who were doing peace and development activities at Brgy. Rizal in Gamay town of  Northern Samar.

Gutierrez said the couple also surrendered a .45-caliber pistol with three magazines and 20 live bullets. The two are now in custody of the 8th ID while waiting for the processing of the documents for livelihood assistance and other benefits.

Under the guns for peace program of the government, the couple will be given P25,000 for the surrendered firearm, P50,000 each for livelihood assistance in addition to the P15,000 immediate assistance from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Peace Process thru its Comprehensive Local Social Integration Program.   (FREEMAN)