NPA rebel surrenders to military in Surigao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13): NPA rebel surrenders to military in Surigao 

A 23-year-old fighter of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the military in Surigao Del Sur Sunday, the military said Monday.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the army’s Fourth Infantry Division (4ID), did not divulge the identity of the surrender who turned over an M-16 assault rifle with one fully loaded magazine.

He said that Ltc Randolph Rojas, 36IB Commanding Officer, welcomed the surrender Sunday night at the 36IB command with an assurance that the rebel returnee could enjoy all benefits intended for him.

Martinez said that the surrender was a member of the Manobo tribal group from San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur, who expressed frustration over the futility of the insurgency struggle.

“Just like his other comrades who also made the same decision earlier, we will facilitate the benefits based from the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Provincial Government of Surigao Del Sur,” Martinez said.

He said that the program was designed to help all members of the NPA who may wish to return to the mainstream society and start a new and peaceful life with their family.

According to Martinez, the NPA records showed that the NPA regular members in the 4ID area of responsibility, which covers Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions, are Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

In reaction to the latest surrender, Maj. Gen Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., 4ID Commander, urged all tribal leaders and IP communities, the peace-loving people of Mindanao, and all Human Rights Advocates, to ask the NPAs to put an end to all atrocities and heed the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for unity and nation healing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=963639