2 ‘Reds’ surrender to S. Cotabato police

KORONADAL CITY: Two members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) separately surrendered to police authorities barely a day apart in South Cotabato province, police said on Friday. In a statement, the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office (SCPPO) said a female NPA fighter, identified only as 'Jelay,' surrendered Friday morning. Lt. Colonel Rey Egos, chief of SCPPO's 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company South, said Jelay, 25, belonged to the NPA Guerilla Front ALIP of the Far South Mindanao Region. 'Jelay would be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government due to her pursuit of a peaceful life,' Egos said in his report. Meanwhile, on Thursday afternoon, a male NPA combatant, identified only as 'Ar-Ar,' turned himself in to Major Roel Parreño, the commander of the South Cotabato 2nd Police Mobile Force Company based in Surallah town. 'Ar-Ar turned in a hand grenade and one Uzi submachine gun with ammunition,' the SCPPO said. The 40-year-old 'Ar-Ar' told police he was tired of running away from government forces, adding that his life in the forest with his comrades has been challenging the past months, forcing him to consider laying down his firearm. Parreño extended financial aid and a sack of rice to the former combatant, who will also be enrolled in the E-CLIP program. Both Egos and Parreño have called on other rebels to avail of the government's reconciliation program. Source: Philippines News Agency