2 pregnant NPA leaders yield in Negros Oriental

BACOLOD CITY – Government forces rescued two pregnant New People’s Army (NPA) leaders in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Monday, December 18.

They were identified as a certain “Sarah,” a member of Squad 3 and taxation team, and a certain “Aubre,” educational and finance staff and assistant political officer, of the dismantled Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (SEF, KR-NCBS).

TWO pregnant high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to government forces in Siaton, Negros Occidental on Monday, December 18. (Photo courtesy of 11th IB)

Sarah is five months while Aubre is nine months pregnant.

They were rescued in Sitio Katubahan, Barangay Tayak, according to the Army 11th Infantry Battalion (IB).

The medical team of the 11th IB and the local police transported the them to the Lamberto L. Macias Memorial Hospital in Siaton for check-up.

Two other NPA rebels surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) Team on Sunday, December 17, in Barangay Milagrosa, Santa Catalina, Negros Occidental.

They were identified as “Ka Delfin,” a member of Squad 3 of Samahan ng Yunit Pamproganda, and “Ka Bombo,” a political guide of Squad 2 of the dismantled Southeast Front.

They turned over an M16 rifle with defaced serial number, two magazines for M16, 30 rounds Ctg 5.56mm ball, a rifle grenade, a bandolier, and a .38 caliber revolver with five bullets.

Lt. Col. Michael Aquino, in a statement, said they were able to successfully conduct these operations because of the information provided by residents of Barangay Tayak and Barangay Milagrosa.

Rest assured that government forces will continue to intensify efforts to search the remnants of the dismantled front and ensure that peace and security in the area of operation are sustained, Aquino said.

The 11th IB, with the provincial government, will facilitate the reintegration of the four communist rebels and help them avail of the programs and projects of the government under the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), commended security forces and the local government unit for their collaborative efforts that led to the successful anti-insurgency drive.

“Rescuing pregnant NPAs is not only about saving these mothers from the hardships and violence within armed groups but also about safeguarding the lives and future of their little ones,” Sison said in a statement.

Sison said the soldiers and police officers have truly performed commendable and heroic acts in rescuing these women. “This noble deed underscores government forces’ genuine commitment to ending the local communist armed conflict,” he added.