Cagayan province’s NPA vice-commander surrenders

BAGUIO CITY — Policemen claimed the vice-commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Cagayan, known as “Ka Kulot,” has voluntarily surrendered over the weekend, leaving a heavy blow to the already dwindling number of communist rebels operating in that northeastern province.

“Ka Kulot” reportedly served as the group’s intelligence officer and member of the Provincial Committee of the Cagayan Abraham Command of the NPA before being designated as Cagayan vice-commander.

According to Jefferson D. Mukay, commander of the 2^nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the Philippine National Police, “Ka Kulot” spent two decades of his life in the rebel movement and decided to finally turn his back on the rebel movement with his family’s intercession.

The rebel official met with policemen, military intelligence operatives and his family at the hinterlands in barangay Dagupan, Lal-lo town, Mr. Mukay said.

According to authorities, “Ka Kulot” was considered as Cagayan Valley region’s “Regional Topmost Wanted” because of various criminal cases he was facing, including robbery with arson, violation of Republic Act 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020), robbery, murder, attempted murder, and a case of other mischief. — Artemio A. Dumlao