From the Manila Times (Dec 16): 26 NPA rebels, supporters surrender
GAMU, Isabela: A group of communist New People’s Army (NPA) members and supporters have surrendered to local authorities and the 54th Infantry Battalion (54th IB) at Poblacion, Ambaguio town in Nueva Vizcaya.
According to the 5th Infantry Division (ID), this is the fourth batch of surrenderers within its area of responsibility that included an NPA regular member, 25 Militia ng Bayan (MB or People’s Militia) members and three supporters.
Major Jefferson Somera, 5th ID spokesman, said the group also surrendered three high-powered firearms including an M16 carbine and Garand rifles to the authorities.
Witnessing their surrender and oath-taking were Ambaguio town Vice Mayor Francisco Gullunan, representatives of national government line agencies, barangay (village) officials, the Philippine National police and the 54th IB.
Lt. Col. Narciso Nabulneg Jr., 54th IB commander, said the surrender was a result of an overwhelming support of the local officials and people of Ambaguio to the military’s community support program.
“The effort of our troops is second only to the initiative of the locals and their officials. The feeling that there are people ready to support you instead of cursing you made the [surrenderers] change their mind in favor of the government,” Nabulneg added.
Col. Henry Doyaoen, the newly installed 503rd IB commander, said intervention of the local officials would keep local peace talks in motion.
Advertisements
“The local government units (LGUs) know who are their supporters and the communist NPA and their supporters. By involving themselves in this program, we will free Ambaguio town from their influence in the near future,” Dayoaen added.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Perfecto Rimando Jr. said he was optimistic that they would totally free the people of Ambaguio and Asipulo-Tinoc (Ifugao) boundaries from the NPA’s Kilusan Larangan Guerilla-Nona Del Rosario Command.
“We will also facilitate the surrenderers’ benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” Rimando said as he called on the remnants of the communist NPA members in Ifugao, Isabela and Cagayan provinces to lay down their arms and avail themselves of the Eclip.
“We will help you build your lives and be with your families this Christmas,” he added.
This year, a total of 241 individuals surrendered consisting of 58 NPA regulars, 12 of whom were captured, four killed, 42 surrendered, and 183 militia members and supporters.
https://www.manilatimes.net/26-npa-rebels-supporters-surrender/483351/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.