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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