By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A female political instructor for the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities at Barangay Sag-ang in Negros Occidental’s La Castellana town on Monday, January 22.

Authorities have requested not to identify the now-former rebel, aged 71 years old and a resident of Negros Oriental’s Guihulngan City.

Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) spokesperson, Major Rhojn Darell Nigos, said the former insurgent directly surrendered to town officials.

Nigos said the former rebel revealed she was among those involved in the encounter with elements of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) in La Castellana last January 17.

The 62IB was sent to Hacienda Gomez in Barangay Sag-ang after suspected NPA members were extorting and recruiting some residents.

Two alleged NPA members were killed in the encounter.

The former rebel claimed that she attempted to escape the pursuing government forces.

However, she soon realized that the area she was in was encircled by government troops, and decided to yield herself to the authorities.

Meanwhile, Nigos said the town police are now trying to find out if she has any pending arrest warrants.

The NOCPPO spokesperson said if she was not involved in any heinous crime incidents, such as murder, she would likely receive a pardon in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s proclamation which grants amnesty for insurgents.

They will also review if the former rebel will be eligible for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Nigos said the former rebel is placed under the custody of the La Castellana Municipal Police Station./DGB, WDJ