18 NPA fighters surrender to 3rd Infantry Division

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): 18 NPA fighters surrender to 3rd Infantry Division

Tired of their incessant hiding and running from the military, 18 members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for the first four- and-a-half months of 2014.

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the surrender could be attributed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' "Bayanihan" civil-military strategies which aim to develop the countryside in an effort to deny the NPAs an operating base.

Tiongson said of the 18 surrenderers, six came from the Panay area and 12 from Negros Islands.

“We in the Army here in Western Visayas, together with other government security forces, are all available in any time that NPA rebels would want to return to the government and live a peaceful life. Also, our communication lines with the families of the NPA members are open,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

“We continue our call to our brothers and sisters who are still in the wrong path and continue with the armed struggle to abandon the armed violence and join the mainstream society. If you choose to live a life in peace, the AFP and the government will give you a chance to live with your families and will assist you to start a new life and give a better future for your children,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643837