22 Mangyans suspected to be NPA rebels surrendered in Oriental Mindoro —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said 22 suspected communist rebels from the Mangyan tribe have surrendered to authorities in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Monday.

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas said these indigenous people were allegedly part of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

According to Sinas, Mangyans allegedly formed the Barangay Revolutionary Committee to make propaganda work, supply food, provide medical support, and secure firearms for rebels.

“As ‘Ganap na Kasapi’, they have undergone the required ‘pag-aaral’, they also respond to CPP-NPA mobilization orders to participate in tactical offensives when called upon,” Sinas said.

The PNP chief their surrender is "a huge setback" to the NPA since the surrenderees played important roles, "providing vital information, foods, medicines and other combat materials.” 

The Mangyans surrendered at the PNP Regional Headquarters in Camp Navarro, Calapan City.

Their surrender was facilitated by several state forces units, the PNP said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News