Ranking NPA member, 9 other rebels surrender in Butuan

MANILA, Philippines — A ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) and nine other communist rebels surrendered to the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) in Barangay Bancasi in Butuan City on Monday.

Eastmincom chief Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol identified the surrenderees as Lino Namatidong, commander of Headquarters Force NEO of the Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee; his wife Reyna; Nestor Namatidong, Squad 3 team leader; Ronnie Polistico, Squad 4 leader; Angleo Palot of Squad 2; Lyka Lagaolao, Jerry Inantag, Gay-Gaya Tumanan, Besto Tumanan and Ronald Dungogan.

Almerol said the rebel-returnees turned over three shotguns, two M-16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, an AK-47 rifle, a Carbine rifle and a Garand rifle.

“We are looking into the possibility that the surrender of Namatidong would induce more capitulation in the coming days, especially from his downline members,” he said.

Slain Negros NPA leader ‘tortured’

Meanwhile, the NPA’s Mt. Cansermon Command belied the claims of the military that National Democratic Front consultant Rogelio Posadas died in an encounter with soldiers in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental  last week.

In a statement, rebel group spokesman Dionesio Magbuelas said Posadas was arrested, tortured and killed, contrary to the claims of the military that there was an encounter in Sitio Cabite.

The Army said Posadas was secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor.

Magbuelas said Posadas and his three companions were on two motorcycles and failed to reach their destinations on April 19.  — Gilbert Bayoran