NPA medic surrenders to authorities due to brother-in-law’s prodding in South Cotabato

CPP NPA. Photo courtesy of HaloFanon Wikia

MANILA — A New People’s Army (NPA) female medic voluntarily surrendered to “Bayanihan” teams of the 27th Infantry Battalion at Barangay Tacunel, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Christmas afternoon.

Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, identified the surrenderer as Rebecca Megew Timban, 27.

Timban decided to surrender at around 3 p.m. Thursday after being convinced by her brother-in-law.

Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Eastern Mindanao Command chief, lauded the surrender and called on other NPA rebels to follow Timban’s example.

“We welcome the surrender of Rebecca and the effort of his brother-in-law in convincing her to live a peaceful life.

Her coming down is the best gift for her family. We are calling on the families of our deceived brothers and sisters to convince them to lay down their arms and leave the hard life of a rebel and embrace a peaceful life with their families,” Baladad said.

Rebecca is now undergoing psychological debriefing as a part of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

She will also be eligible to receive other benefits such as financial and livelihood assistance under the program, Balada said.