NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur – Five members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Northern Luzon, one of them an Amazon, surrendered to military authorities in Sta. Lucia town.

A report of Col. Harold Cabreros, commander of the Army’s 50th Infantry Battalion based in barangay Guimod Sur in San Juan, Ilocos Sur, identified the surrenderers as Anastacio Ramirez, alias Hajie, 27; Jerwin Habon, alias ‘Romel’, a student; and Ronie Arquero, 27, all of barangay Bani in Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur; and Nestor Habon, 31, of barangay Quimmarin, Salcedo, Ilocos Sur.

The lone amazon was identified as Jovelyn Ramirez, 21, alias “Yani”, and “Smile”, alleged NPA medical officer, of barangay Pila East, Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur.

This was the second batch of NPA rebels who surrendered to the military recently following the surrender in June of two rebels, identified as Rocky Marcelo, alias Dexter of barangay Baracbac, Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur; and Shahany Parado, alias Maya of Lagayan, Abra.

In his report to newly promoted Brig. General Manuel Mariano, Jr., commanding officer of the 503rd Army Brigade, Cabreros said different sectors of the community in Sta. Lucia town helped in negotiating for the surrender of the five rebels.

Although the rebel returnees did not surrender any firearm, they were nevertheless assured of livelihood from the municipal government of Sta. Lucia as well as the national government.

“Actually, Sta. Lucia Mayor Ferdinand Hernaez assured livelihood assistance for them (rebel returnees) while we are still working for their possible monetary assistance to be given by the Office of the President on Peace Process (OPOPP),” Mariano said.