CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: A couple believed to be members of the outlawed New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to state forces in Butuan City, bringing along their firearms, the military said Monday, July 14, 2025.
The couple identified as Marjun Sagay Navarro a.k.a “Julia/Etol” and his wife Rosemarie Garcia a.k.a “Marianne” voluntarily surrendered to the army’s 48th Infantry Battalion in the village of Anticala in Butuan City on July 12, 2025.
Lt. Col. Kenny Rae C. Tizon, commanding officer of the 48IB, stated that the couple also surrendered one M16A1 rifle, bringing the total number of firearms recovered to a total of 30 over the past ten days from July 1, 2025, to July 10, 2025.
He mentioned that the couple decided to surrender voluntarily, stating 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.
Anayron assured the couple of continued support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.
E-CLIP offers livelihood assistance, skills training, education, and psychosocial support to help former rebels reintegrate into mainstream society as productive citizens.
