NPA COUPLE SURRENDERS. A couple identified as ranking members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrenders Tuesday (July 5, 2022) to the Army's 97th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Del Pilar in Pinan, Zamboanga del Norte. The couple is welcomed by Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade commander (left), and Lt. Col. Nolasco Coderos Jr., the 97th Infantry Battalion commander (right). (Photo courtesy of 97IB) ZAMBOANGA CITY - A ranking New People's Army (NPA) rebel couple has surrendered amid a continuing government offensive against communist rebels in Zamboanga del Norte, a military official said Wednesday. Lt. Col. Nolasco Coderos Jr., commander of the Army's 97th Infantry Battalion, said Benedicto Granada and his wife, Gina, surrendered Tuesday night at their headquarters in Barangay Del Pilar, Pinan municipality. Benedicto was the deputy secretary of the defunct NPA Guerrilla Front Big Beautiful Country (GF BBC), while his wife, Gina, acted as f