Friday, March 28, 2014

AFP chief accepts formal surrender of 72 rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): AFP chief accepts formal surrender of 72 rebels

Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) chief-of-staff Emmanuel Bautista on Friday formally welcomed the surrender of 72 New People's Army (NPA) fighters who wanted to live peacefully and productively with their families.

Aside from this, the ex-rebel surrendered 69 high-powered firearms.

The military said the 72 former rebels were regular NPA members while others were members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) operating in the mountainous areas of CARAGA and Region 10 composed of 48 individuals from Bukidnon, 18 from Agusan Del Sur, three from Surigao Del Sur, one from Agusan Del Norte, and two from Misamis Oriental.

This was held at 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan De Oro City.

Besides Bautista, Army commander Major Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri was present in the ceremonies which was dubbed as "Pagbabalik-Loob 2".

Also present during the ceremony were local officials of Northern Mindanao who have always been effective partners of the Philippine Army in its peace and development advocacies.

For surrendering their weapons, the former rebels will paid a significant sum each.

And as a demonstration of support to the former rebels as they join the mainstream society, the Philippine Army through the 4th Infantry Division will grant them a parcel of land which they could use for their livelihood.

Under the government's social integration program, former rebels are provided access to economic and social opportunities including capability building and skills training, livelihood and employment opportunities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=630410

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