By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

An alleged New People’s Army (NPA) insurgent has surrendered to the Philippine Army in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last Friday.

Colonel Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, identified the surrenderee as 21-year-old Jerryd “Ka Angel” Gargoles, a team leader of Squad 1, Regional Strike Force (RSF), Komiteng Rehiyon Negros-Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor (KR NCBS).

According to Peña, Gargoles handed himself over to elements of the 16th Scout Ranger Company. He also surrendered his .45 caliber pistol and his 9mm KG-9 semi-automatic pistol.

Gargoles also yielded several subversive documents in his possession.

Peña said he warmly welcomed Gargoles who apparently realized that his life in the communist movement will just go astray.

“We are thankful for this achievement of our troops; I commend the 16th Scout Ranger Company under Captain Roldan Pangilinan for a job well done,” he said.

He further added they will help Gargoles restore a normal life with his loved ones, and he encouraged the remaining rebels to also surrender.

“We encourage the remaining members of the terrorist group to heed the government’s call for peace. Our relentless effort to hunt you down will surely give you a miserable life. With the help of our Lord and the community, we will end this problem that has been going on for five decades. Rest assured that your Army in Negros will continuously support the local government to protect the Negrosanons from the hands of the communist terrorist group,” he added./DGB, WDJ