2 NPAs in Bukidnon surrender with 4 firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19): 2 NPAs in Bukidnon surrender with 4 firearms

Two combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon surrendered to the Army’s 8th Infantry Brigade in Impasug-ong, Malaybalay, bringing with them four firearms, a belated Army report said Wednesday.

Lt. Erwin P. Bugarin, spokesperson of the Impasug-ong-based 8IB, did not identify the surrendered NPAs, but said they underwent processing in order to avail the livelihood assistance under the government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The NPA rebels surrendered on Easter Sunday, bringing with them two high-powered assault rifles and two short weapons, Bugarin said.

During the debriefing, the NPA rebels revealed they surrendered because of the hardship in the mountains and that they were disenchanted with the NPA leadership’s empty promises, Bugarin said.

He said that aside from starvation, the NPA rebels also surrendered because they wanted to enjoy a peaceful life together with their loved ones and families.

Bugarin said the NPA surenderees would participate in the 8IB's “arms to farm” program in order to rehabilitate and equipped them with basic livelihood tools and skills.

He said that the “arms to farm” program is a "sustainable program of the government intended" to make former rebels have a better life in mainstream society.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=980977