AN OFFICER of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces on Tuesday having been disappointed by alleged corruption within the communist organization.
Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID) Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief Captain Jerry Lamosao identified the surrenderer as Danny Lauda Andip alias "Berni" who was the Squad Finance Logistic Officer of Squad Abe, Front Committee 53 for one year.
He surrendered at 12 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, with his M1 carbine rifle to the troops of 39th Infantry Battalion (IB).
"Berni revealed that alias Jecko, his NPA commander, is pocketing the cash that was promised to them when they joined the NPA. He added that the budget for food supplies given by Jecko was so little despite the many extortion activities that the communist group is doing," Lamosao said.
Andip during the interview said the NPA kept on blaming the national government for the prevalence of corruption but he cited that corruption also exists within the movement.
"Sige ingon ang NPA nga ang gobyerno ang kurakot, pero ang tinuod nga istorya sila ang kurakot (The NPA often tells that the government is corrupt but the truth is they are (also) corrupt)," Andip said.
Berni's surrender was made possible through the effort of a tribal leader in the locality of Arakan Valley.
Authorities are helping Berni in the process of his enrollment to the Department of Interior Local Governance (DILG) Comprehensive Localized Integration Program offered to former rebels for livelihood and financial assistance.
Lieutenant Colonel Harold Argamosa, 39th IB commander, said that there were many NPA members who became prey to the communist group's propaganda.
He added that their challenge is how to reach out to these individuals and enlighten them.
"We are always open for those NPA that would like to surrender, there are many ways in addressing your issues, taking up arms should not be the choice," Argamosa said.