Army accepts 3rd batch of NPA surrenderees

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 20): Army accepts 3rd batch of NPA surrenderees

Some 97 former NPA rebels will formally surrender to Army’s 4TH Infantry “Diamond” Division through “Pagbabalik Loob III” at the Provincial Capitol, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on May 21 at around 9:00 a.m. to be hosted by Governor Adolph Edward G. Plaza.

Thirty three of them are regular members of the New People’s Army while 61 are members of the underground Barrio Revolutionary Committees and the Militia ng Bayan. 3 are from Surigao del Sur and 94 from Agusan del Sur. Of the 97, 70 are IPs mostly Manobos.  Furthermore, there are two women in the group while 12 were recruited when they were still minors. They will be receiving a total of Php 881,750.00 as renumeration for the 93 assorted firearms they have surrendered to the military.

Accompanying General Emmanuel Bautista, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines who will be the Guest of Honor and Speaker are LGen Ricardo Rainier Cruz, Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command and MGen Ricardo Visaya, Commander, 4ID. 

To sum-up, in a period of seven months, the 4ID through “Pagbabalik I, II and III” have helped 204 former rebels with 201 firearms return back to the mainstream and gave a total amount of 4.2 million pesos to them apart from other support package that includes: initial cash assistance of P15,000, livelihood assistance of P50,000 coming from the OPAPP and for those who are skilled farmers, DND has allotted a one-hectare lot which they can plot with coffee seedlings.

Colonel Gregory Cayetano, Commander of the Army’s 401ST Infantry “Unity” Brigade, said that he is very much happy to welcome these former rebels who have finally decided to return to the folds of the law. "We are very thankful to them that they gave up their arms and start living a normal life back to their loved ones and families.”

MGen. Visaya is also thankful that these former rebels have left the mountains and returned to the folds of the law. "I’m sure that the biggest problems faced by our country will be resolved by means of cooperation among all stakeholders. One of the best ways to achieve genuine peace is to stop using arms. Your Armed Forces will always be a willing partner in these endeavors which will benefit the Filipino people. This is the time for peace, let us put an end to poverty and stop the war. This is the essence of 'Bayanihan,' an advocacy of working hand-in-hand,” Visaya said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1701400562984