NPA member surrenders to authorities

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — A 22-year-old man, who admitted he was a member of the New People's Army (NPA) in Negros Oriental for at least four years, on Friday surrendered to authorities with the help of Rep. George Arnaiz (2nd district).

Arnaiz facilitated the surrender of the rebel, named only as Martin and a resident of Purok Rosal in Dagaton, during a meeting and negotiations with officials of the 79th Infantry Battalion, headed by Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua at the solon's residence.

Early Friday, Martin agreed to surrender to the 79th IB but requested that his 16-year-old girlfriend and an uncle accompany him to the battalion headquarters in Siaton town, about an hour's drive south of this capital.

The rebel earlier told Arnaiz that he wanted to return to normal life, outside of the underground movement, but feared retaliation from his comrades if his surrender was publicized, authorities said.

Commission on Human Rights official Jesus Cañete and a female lawyer were invited to get the sworn statement of Martin to ensure that he was given the proper treatment and his rights were not violated.

The Philippine Army and the CHR also brought in the Siaton policemen to facilitate the release of Martin, with the assurance that he, his girlfriend and uncle were safe upon leaving the 79th IB headquarters.

Inspector Juvenal Rado, Siaton Police chief, led a team who took custody of Martin and his companions and brought them to the town proper where they took a public transport to an undisclosed destination.

Martin, with aliases of Chesam and Bernie, told reporters that he joined the NPA when he was still 17 years old. He said he went on AWOL (absent without leave) with the NPA since June last year when he was put on DA (disciplinary action) status. He later worked at the poultry farm of the Arnaiz family.

The former NPA member said nobody convinced him to surrender and it was his own decision to leave the organization because he wanted to live a normal life and marry his girlfriend someday. He added that he worked as a "political guide" with the NPA's South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros.

Pascua said Martin is entitled to all government benefits for a rebel returnee, after undergoing the usual procedures and documentations. Martin was the second NPA member to have surrendered to the 79th IB this year, during Pascua's term.  (FREEMAN)