Soldier-turned-NPA returns to fold of law

A disgruntled soldier who left the military to join communist rebels in the mountains of Negros Occidental did another about-face as he turned himself in to authorities this week. Rodolfo "Ka Bliss" Alamin Jr., 37, reportedly spent two years with the New People's Army (NPA) as the finance and logistics officer of its southwest Negros front before surrendering to authorities. Alamin claimed that the hardships in the NPA prompted him to give up "armed struggle," the news site Visayan Daily Star reported on Tuesday. While holding back tears, Alamin told local reporters in Negros he realized that joining the NPA would not solve his problems and bring about peace. He claimed that his life was constantly under threat while he was with the NPA as he was accused of being a deep penetration agent of the government. Alamin was also bitter because his uncle in Iloilo was allegedly killed by the rebels. Alamin was formerly a Private First Class assigned to the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion in Lanao del Norte province. However, he became "absent without leave" after a homicide case was filed against him and his colleagues. He was later recruited by NPA rebels in Sipalay, Negros Occidental. The homicide case has since been resolved, and some of his co-accused were reinstated in the Philippine Army, but he was not informed of this as he was with the NPA at the time. Alamin surrendered to Col. Manuel Ochotorena in Tara village in Mabinay town in Negros Oriental. He turned over an M-16 rifle, seven magazines, 148 rounds of live ammunition, one hand grenade and one rifle grenade. Ochotorena hopes that Alamin can avail of the Philippine government’s incentive program for rebel returnees. In the previous administration, those who availed of the Social Integrated Program immediately received a cash assistance of P20,000. They also received another P90,000 for livelihood, and a corresponding amount for every firearm and explosive they surrendered. Ochotorena said they will help Alamin return to mainstream society and ensure that he and his family are safe. –VVP, GMANews.TV