Over 500 members, supporters of CPP-NPA in Masbate surrendered

Up to 505 members and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army (NPA), and National Democratic Front in Masbate are now in the custody of the military in the province.

According to Capt. John Paul Belleza, spokesman of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Bicol, surrendered to the military two weeks after the explosion in Barangay Anas, Masbate City, that killed football players Kieth Absalon and cousin Nolven Absalon.

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The NPA claimed to be behind the explosion.

“Yung assessment natin dito ay after ng incident na inamin ng communist terrorist group na sila talaga ang may kagagawan ng krimen na ‘yun, nagkaroon ng atmosphere kung saan ‘yung mga Masbateño is nagalit na and even ‘yung former rebels na-dissapoint na din kaya maraming sumuko,” said Belleza.

“Sumuko sila voluntarily sa area kung saan meron tayong Community Support Program team na na-deploy sa area kung saan ini-educate nila ‘yung community as to the nature ng CTG (communist terrorist group),” he said.

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Those who surrender will be subjected to government interventions and other programs.

“Magkakaroon ng evaluation for them and titingnan kung sino ‘yung qualified na makatanggap ng financial assistance at iba pang tulong para makapag-bagong buhay,” said Belleza.

Over 500 members, supporters of CPP-NPA in Masbate surrendered

Police in Bicol has charged 24 people allegedly responsible for the death of cousin Absalon.

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Last week, a 22-year-old female suspect in the murder of her cousin Absalon in Masbate City was arrested.

The suspect is said to be the  of a “Manong/Julio,” a high-ranking member of NPA that focused on the operation in Masbate.

The whereabouts of others involved in the said crime are still being sought.

“Nais rin naming ipaabot ang aming pasasalamat sa miyembro ng komunidad sa walang humpay na pakikipagugnayan sa ating mga kapulisan upang maresolba ang mga isyung katulad nito,” said Bicol PNP director Police Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo.

“Ang pagbibigay ninyo ng impormasyon sa ating mga himpilan ang isang patunay ng inyong pakikiisa upang mabigayan ng katarungan ang mga naulilang biktima ng mga taong ito.”

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