NPA leader surrenders in Laguna; arms cache seized

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Philippines — A ranking member of the New People Army (NPA) in Laguna has surrendered.

Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., 2nd Infantry Division commander, said Dioscorro Cello, alias Termo, an NPA commander in the province, turned over his M6353 rifle and ammunition on Saturday.

Burgos said Cello also led authorities to an arms cache in Barangay Cansuso in Cavinti.

In Negros Occidental, the Mount Cansermon Command of the NPA claimed responsibility for the killing of an alleged military informant in Himamaylan City.

Dionesio Magbuelas, spokesman for the rebel group, said Randy Rosiana was responsible for raids that led to the arrest and filing of charges against seven residents of Barangay Buenavista in 2019.

Magbuelas said Rosiana also helped the military to force innocent civilians to surrender as NPA rebels.