Monday, July 8, 2013

NPA surrenderers in Negros, Panay increase

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8): NPA surrenderers in Negros, Panay increase

The number of surrenderers in Negros and Panay in the first semester of 2013 has increased by 40 percent, the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said.

It said from January to June, 62 regular members of the New People’s Army in Western Visayas laid down their arms and returned to mainstream society.

The figure is higher by 18 surrenderers compared to the 44 who surrendered during the same period last year.

The 62 include 26 rebels from Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay (KR-P), 33 from Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (KR-N) and three from Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral-Bisayas (KR-SB).

Still, the number does not include NPA members who have been monitored to have left the movement during the period, the 3rd ID said.

“We expect more rebels to surrender in the coming days because we know that they are already tired of the futile armed struggle and wanted to go down and abandon the armed violence,” Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay, acting commander of the 3rd ID, said in a press statement.

Last week, 28 party branch and people’s militia members of the NPA Barangay Mantiquil in Siaton, Negros Oriental surrendered to the 79th Infantry Battalion.

They include nine members of Sangay sa Partido sa Localidad led by Rosalie Nama 19 members of Yunit Militia of Lubos na Asosasyong Masa /Solid Mass Association under Diosdado Nama.

The 28 persons were utilized as underground informants and even instant and untrained NPA fighters, said Lt. Col. Marion Sison, commander of 79th IB.

“We treated them as victims,” Sison said.

Sumagaysay said the CPP-NPA is losing the support of the populace as their ranks continue to surrender and start a lawful and peaceful life.

“Your Army in Western Visayas remains committed in performing its mandated task of protecting the people. Together with other government security forces, we will intensify our combat operations in the region,” he added.
 

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