107 communist rebels surrender in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27): 107 communist rebels surrender in Bicol

At least 107 members and supporters of the New People's Army (NPA) operating in two towns of Masbate province surrendered to the Philippine Army’s (PA) 903rd Brigade Command on Monday afternoon.

Army Capt. Joash Pramis, PA 9th Infantry Division (9ID) public affairs chief, said in a phone interview Tuesday that the rebels who were operating in the towns of Aroroy and Claveria in Masbate, yielded in two batches.

She noted that of the rebel returnees, only five were regular NPA members while the rest were communist militia members and supporters.

The first batch, composed of 64 members of the communist movement Sangay ng Partido sa Localidad and Milisyang Bayan, was from Aroroy, while the second batch, composed of 43 SLP and MB members, was from the town of Claveria.

During the ceremony, the rebels yielded a total of 19 handguns.

Pramis said the surrenderers will have to undergo processing to qualify for the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055049