CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A couple, who claimed to be members of the outlawed New People’s Army (NPA), surrendered to government forces in Butuan City, bringing along their firearm, the military said on Monday.
The couple identified as Marjun Sagay Navarro, also known as “Julia/Etol” and his wife Rosemarie Garcia, also known as “Marianne” voluntarily approached the army’s 48th Infantry Battalion (48IB) in the village of Anticala in Butuan City on July 12, 2025.
Lt. Col. Kenny Rae Tizon, commanding officer of the 48IB, said that the couple also surrendered one M16 A1 rifle.
Tizon said the couple decided to detach themselves from the NPA because they wanted to raise a family, live peacefully and lead normal lives.
Maj. Gen. Michelle Anayron, commander of the army’s 4th Infantry Division, described the couple’s decision to surrender as an act of courage and bravery and urged other communist rebels to follow suit.
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Anayron assured the couple of continued government support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).
E-Clip offers livelihood assistance, skills training, education, and psychosocial support to help former rebels reintegrate into mainstream society as productive citizens.