2 NPA members surrender to 34IB

By DPAO, 8ID PA
October 28, 2013

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar – Two (2) members of the New People’s Army surrendered to military authorities in Northern Samar on Sunday, October 27, 2013.

Ruel C. Sirse, alias Bulay and Melly C. Esponilla, alias Mica, NPA squad member and NPA Medic, respectively, voluntarily surrendered to soldiers of the 34th Infantry Battalion under Lt Colonel Rodrigo Ilustrisimo. The government troops were conducting peace and development activities in Barangay Rizal, Gamay, Northern Samar when they were approached by the surrenderees. The duo brought along with them one (1) .45 Caliber pistol with three (3) magazines and 20 live bullets.

Under the AFP Guns For Peace Program, they will receive P25,000.00 in exchange for the firearm they surrendered. Each of them is also entitled to receive P50,000.00 livelihood assistance and P15,000.00 immediate assistance from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Peace Process (OPAPP) under its Comprehensive Local Social Integration Program (CLIP). They can further avail of Local Social Integration Program of the Local Government Unit in Northern Samar.

During the interview alias Bulay and alias Mica admitted that they are live-in partners and they decided to surrender because they wish to raise a family away from harm and violence. “Upon learning of the new program of the AFP which is the Gun for Peace Program, they were encouraged to surrender and avail of the program.”