Tacloban City, Leyte – The party wife of the recently killed New People’s Army (NPA) leader submitted herself to military authorities in Barangay Vigan, General McArthur, Eastern Samar on Wednesday a military official say.
Army’s 78th IB commanding officer Lt.Col Joseph Buagaon identified a certain Liza Paclita alias Yana surrendered to the troops of 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB), under the operational control of 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBde). Paclita is also a member of the dismantled Apoy platoon and wife of their leader Joel Gaurino alias Duran who was killed in a recent encounter last week.
Paclita revealed that she was scared of suffering the same fate as her husband so she decided to reach out to his family who constantly pleaded for her to peacefully surrender with the assurance of her security and safety.
LBugaoan, Commander added 9 that Paclita’s surrender was attributed to the intensified security operations, constant visitation and engaging with the families and relatives of the remaining members of the squad under alyas Duran. The help and cooperation of the barangay officials and former members of the platoon also played a vital role in this achievement.
It was only last week when Lando Yape alias Rose, one of the surviving members of the group of Guarino, has earlier surrender to the troops of 78IB just a few days after their group had figured in a firefight with government forces. Yape brought along two M16 rifles and other war materiels when he yielded to the military.
In this regard the series of surrenders is a result of the demoralization among members and the lack of direction within the armed group following the death of Guarino.
“The surrender of Yana and Rose is caused by the relentless conduct of follow-on and pursuit operations coupled with E-FReE Families program, or the Enhanced Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families program of the Brigade which enabled the family of active NPA members to immediately seek military help. Right now, both are happy and finally reunited with their families,” Bugaoan said.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the Brigade Commander of 802IBde commended the troops for their relentless efforts in connecting with the families of the remaining NPA members. He also expressed his gratitude to the families and their former comrades for their support in their advocacy to achieve sustainable peace in the province. He continuously calls out for the others to do the same and be reunited with their loved ones to live peacefully in their community.
“To the remaining members of Apoy platoon, I once again urge you to embrace the path of peace before it is too late. Your leadership has crumbled, and we know that your ranks have been demoralized by the successive losses. Our peace and development activities will continue until every last one of you has embraced a peaceful resolution,” Vestuir said. Miriam G.Desacada
