Saturday, November 10, 2018

4 ex-rebels deny involvement in Sagay massacre

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Nov 10): 4 ex-rebels deny involvement in Sagay massacre



SAGAY. The four former members of the New People's Army (NPA) in their first public appearance at Balay Kauswagan in Sagay City, Negros Occidental. They were tagged in the killing of the nine farmers. (Glazyl Masculino)

SAGAY CITY -- Four former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) denied their involvement in the massacre of nine farmers here.

They showed up on Friday, November 9, during a press briefing at Balay Kauswagan here to clear their names after they were named by Ka Frank of the National Democratic Front (NDF)-Negros as the alleged perpetrators behind the murder of the farmers at Bulanon village on October 20.

The NDF also alleged they were former members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA), which was vehemently denied by the former rebels.

Two of them are active members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) who were brought by military troops to the police for investigation while two others asked for police assistance and subjected themselves to the authorities for the same purpose.


The former rebels, whose identities were withheld for security reasons, told the media they have nothing to do with the Sagay massacre because they were not present when the incident happened.

One of them said: “The victims must have been familiar with the ones who killed them. Why us? How could we approach the area when everyone knows it is thick with recruiters of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) and a hangout for the NPA?”

The other one said: “We know how the NPA work.”

“We don’t know anything about the case,” they all said, adding they even do not know each other when they met at the police station.

We do not even know the landowner and we haven’t gone to that place, one of them said.

They said the real motive of the rebel group is to let them surface so they can locate and kill them, as they cited threats they received through text messages. Their families were also threatened.

They said they are also being targeted by the rebels because they left the group and chose to return to the fold of law.

Also, they said they are being hunted by the armed group because they knew about the latter’s revolutionary movement.

“Nag halin kami sa grupo tungod wala na kami ka intsindi sang ila nga gina himo (We left the group because we already do not understand their actions),” one of them said.

One of them even told the press that his two brothers were allegedly killed by the rebels and he even survived the previous attack of the group against him.

One of them said he can attest the NFSW is linked with the NPA since he started as its member and quickly became part of the armed group.

Meanwhile, Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commanding officer of the 303rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said “this is the irony of the story. Who is acting as the complainant of the four? Because here are the families of the slain farmers and they are not the ones making accusations against the four? Instead, they point to the NFSW and NPA as the killers.”

Arevalo said they (rebel returnees) became frustrated and left the movement because the Special Partisan Unit (Sparu) of NPA has tried to kill them several times.

This is the problem when there is a cover-up on the real events, he added. “This is a blatant lie.”

This is Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA-NDF covering-up their strategy of agitating the people that went bad, he said.

“Karumaldumal ang kanilang pagsisinungaling. Sana tigilan na natin yan at makita rin sana ng taong bayan kung anong klaseng tao sila (Their lies are disgusting! I hope it will end and people will see what kind of persons they are),” Arevalo said.

If they are asking for a Senate investigation on the Sagay incident, I fully support that as soon as possible to know the truth, Arevalo said.

The four former rebels are now under police custody for safekeeping.

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Robert Mansueto, city police chief, said their investigation on the murder case is still ongoing.

New development on the case will be released soon by the Special Investigation Task Group which is focusing on the matter, he added.

Mansueto reiterated that they are still looking to three angles on the case – the NPA involvement, land owner's private armed groups, and land dispute.

But he said they are close to finding out more information since multiple murder charges were already filed against two NFSW members and seven John does.

As to the minor-witness, Mansueto said there was an agreement between the mother and the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) that the 14-year-old boy, who has a first-hand information about the incident, will be brought to the province anytime if he is needed for the investigation.

But as of now, they are reportedly in Manila after they were allegedly taken into custody by Karapatan-Negros.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1773355/Bacolod/Local-News/4-ex-rebels-deny-involvement-in-Sagay-massacre

Ex-NPA rebels tag Negrense solon drug lord, rebel supporter

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Nov 10): Ex-NPA rebels tag Negrense solon drug lord, rebel supporter

A CONGRESSMAN from the northern part of Negros Occidental has been tagged by former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as an alleged supporter of the rebel group and an alleged drug lord in the province.

One of the four rebel returnees, in a media interview in Sagay City on Friday, November 9, said the politician, whom he refused to name, is reportedly supporting the rebel group by providing them with firearms and ammunition.

“These armed groups are responsible for initiating revolutionary movement,” he said.


They are the ones creating damage, and conflict among the farmers, he added.

He said: “I hope the government, especially President Rodrigo Duterte will realize that this politician is causing trouble here.”

He is calling the President to probe the politician and his illegal activities, and connection with the NPA.

“This is the reason why more crimes exist in our area and armed groups cannot be located. Someone is behind them,” he said.

Meanwhile, they clarified they are not members of a private armed group of politicians in the province.

For his part, Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commanding officer of the 303rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said he was surprised about the revelations he heard during the press briefing.

“Nakakatindig balahibo (It gave me goosebumps),” he added.

Arevalo said he is in favor if the allegation will also be included in the congressional inquiry.

“We do not have interest in politics but we just want to know the truth,” he added.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1773350/Bacolod/Local-News/Ex-NPA-rebels-tag-Negrense-solon-drug-lord-rebel-supporter

14 NPA rebels, 105 supporters surrender

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Nov 10): 14 NPA rebels, 105 supporters surrender

FOURTEEN New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and 105 supporters have surrendered Friday, November 9, and condemned the NPA in a rally in Zamboanga del Sur province, officials said.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Obena, Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion commander, said the group of NPA rebels and supporters surrendered Friday in Bayog town and turned over 127 firearms. They later joined a peace rally held at the market site of this town.


The rally was initiated by the municipal government, civic society organizations and non-government organizations. It was followed by an oath of allegiance to the government by the NPA surrenderers and supporters.

Colonel Bagnus Gaerlan, commander of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the peace rally by the surrenderers is an evidence of mistrust and frustration to the NPA that hinders peace and progress in their community.

Gaerlan said they will continuously collaborate with the concerned stakeholders to enroll the NPA surrenderees to the government’s Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-clip).

Major General Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the efforts of Obena, Gaerlan, police and the stakeholders who facilitated the surrender of the NPA rebels and the holding of the peace rally.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1773386

3 NPA guerrillas surrender in Bukidnon

From GMA News (Nov 10): 3 NPA guerrillas surrender in Bukidnon

Three members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army from the Guerrilla Front Committee 4B  have surrendered to the military, the Philippine Army said Saturday.

In a statement, the Army said the communist rebels surrendered to troops of the 8th Infantry DEPENDABLE Battalion (8IB) in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon, Friday, November 9, 2018.

One was a regular NPA  warrior identified as Alias Dave, 22, who brought along with him his M79 Grenade Launcher.

The other two were members of Milisyang Bayan and were identified as Alias Darwin, 28, and Alias Aidel, 25, who brought one Uzi sub-machine gun and one Magnum 22 with live ammunition, respectively.

“All surrenderees from the start of our campaign were results of our Community Support Program team deployments. People in our priority areas are now aware of the CPP-NPA's true intentions and that they do not want to take part in their failed armed struggle anymore,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, Commanding Officer of 8IB.

8IB includes information dissemination on the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) during their CSP deployment.

“The 8IB has been exerting efforts in order to inform the populace in the hinter barangays of the different programs of the government. Programs that can address the issues that are the primary reason for the NPA terrorists’ recruitment," Major General Ronald Villanueva, Army’s 4th Infantry Division Commander said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/674276/3-npa-guerrillas-surrender-in-bukidnon/story/

Duterte says he could possibly meet NDFP negotiators in the PHL

From GMA News (Nov 11): Duterte says he could possibly meet NDFP negotiators in the PHL

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday that Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace negotiators Fidel Agcaoili and Luis Jalandoni had sought a meeting with him in the Philippines.

"Agcaoili and Jalandoni, I will not keep it a secret, I do not want confidential-confidential, pupunta dito sabi nila gusto nila ako kausapin," said Duterte, who was was in Puerto Princesa for the Subaraw Biodiversity Festival.

"Ang problema nila kapag hulihin sila. Sabi ko talagang huhulihin kayo," the president added.

"So nagtawag ako ng cluster meeting kasali ng mga military. [I asked them,] ‘So what do you think?' Sabi nila, baka, baka pa lang. It's not a very big margin there. Pero baka pa lang."


Duterte said he would make an announcement on the matter after he returns from the November 13-15 ASEAN summit in Singapore.

The president terminated peace negotiations with the CPP-NDFP November of last year, just two days before the fifth round of formal talks in Oslo, Norway.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/674308/duterte-says-he-could-possibly-meet-ndfp-negotiators-in-the-phl/story/

96 na dating rebelde nakatanggap ng ayuda mula sa gobyerno

From ABS-CBN (Nov 10): 96 na dating rebelde nakatanggap ng ayuda mula sa gobyerno

TANDAG, Surigao del Sur - Nakatanggap kamakailan ng ayuda ang 96 na dating miyembro ng New People's Army (NPA) na nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno.

Nagkaroon ng isang seremonya sa Tandag, Surigao del Sur Sabado ng umaga, kung saan ipinakita rin ang mga armas na isinuko ng mga dating rebelde.


Sa ilalim ng Task Force Balik Loob Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, lahat sila ay tatanggap ng immediate assistance na P15,000, at firearms remuneration kung saan ang halaga na matatanggap ay nakabatay sa kondisyon ng armas o mga armas na isusuko sa pamahalaan.

May P50,000 din na livelihood assistance. Nagbigay rin ng cash assistance ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Surigao Del Sur at Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Lahat ng tulong na ito ay para makapagsimula ng bagong buhay.

Bukod dito, pagkakalooban din ang mga rebel returnees ng buwanang tulong sa ilalim ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ng Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Maari ring makautang sa abot-kayang interes ang rebel returnees sa ilang government agencies nang hindi kailangan ng kolateral. Ang kanilang inutang ay maaring gamitin pang puhunan sa negosyo.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/10/18/96-na-dating-rebelde-nakatanggap-ng-ayuda-mula-sa-gobyerno

Wife of arrested communist leader may face charges - PNP

From ABS-CBN (Nov 11): Wife of arrested communist leader may face charges - PNP


NDFP consultant Vic Ladlad arrives at Camp Karingal, Quezon City after his arrest for alleged possession of illegal firearms in Novaliches, Quezon City on Thursday. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

The Philippine National Police on Sunday said the wife of an alleged communist leader arrested last week may also face charges.

Vicente Ladlad, a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, was arrested Thursday night in Novaliches, Quezon City for illegal possession of firearms.


Ladlad's wife, Fides Lim-Ladlad, claimed that the guns found in her husband's possession were planted by the police. She challenged the PNP to test the guns for fingerprints, which she said would prove that these were planted.

Fides could face charges of obstruction of justice for trying to block a police car that was carrying her husband to a police camp, said PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.


"I must reiterate we are a nation of laws not of men. And violation of laws has its consequences," he said in a statement.

Albayalde also maintained that there was nothing anomalous about the communist leader's arrest.

"The confiscation of high-powered firearms and explosives in the possession of Ladlad and 2 others is a result of a lawful search made by the police witnessed and certified by officials of the Homeowners Association," he said.

Hinalang tanim ebidensiya sa kaso ni Ladlad, alibi lang: Albayalde

The PNP said it found an AK47 with bayonet, an M16A1 assault rifle, two cal. 45 pistols, and 9mm pistol, several loaded magazines, 4 grenades, and "subversive documents" when they arrested Ladlad and 2 others.

Fides on Saturday "apologized" to Albayalde for her actions.

"I hope General Albayalde will find it in his heart to forgive me when his charming wife, Mrs. Albayalde, will also obstruct justice with her bare hands by blocking a police van because he's imprisoned inside and she knows not where he will be brought, or what perchance will happen to him because of a state malady called evidencia plantida de pulis," she said in a statement released by
human rights group Karapatan.


Meanwhile, exiled communist leader Jose Ma. Sison called Ladlad's arrest a "bad precedent" for the peace talks with communist rebels.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/11/18/wife-of-arrested-communist-leader-may-face-charges-pnp

Duterte says Agcaoili, Jalandoni eye PH return

From ABS-CBN (Nov 10): Duterte says Agcaoili, Jalandoni eye PH return

President Rodrigo Duterte revealed Saturday Leftist negotiators Fidel Agcaoili and Luis Jalandoni are eyeing to return to the Philippines to meet with him.

Duterte said he will make an announcement after his trip to Singapore next week to meet regional and world leaders.

"Agcaoili and Jalandoni, I will not keep it a secret, pupunta dito, sabi nila gusto nila akong kausapin. Ang problema nila kapag nahuli sila. Sabi ko talagang huhulihin kayo," Duterte said in a speech in Palawan.

"So nagtawag ako ng cluster meeting, kasali ang mga military. So what do you think? Sabi nila, baka, baka pa lang. It’s not a very big margin there, pero baka pa lang. When I go back after Papua New Guinea and Singapore, I will make the announcement. Usap tayo ulit kasi baka pa lang."

Talks between government negotiators and communist leaders deteriorated last year over alleged continuing rebel attacks on state troops. A supposed resumption this year was halted.

Duterte had also moved to declare the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/10/18/duterte-says-agcaoili-jalandoni-eye-ph-return

Japan-donated 'Huey' parts, equipment to arrive Q1 2019

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Japan-donated 'Huey' parts, equipment to arrive Q1 2019

 

The turnover of the UH-1H "Huey" spare parts and maintenance equipment donation from Japan is tentatively scheduled in the first quarter of 2019.

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in a statement over the weekend.

"Following the Exchange of Notes, the DND and the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) will coordinate and finalize the details and schedule of the transfer. The actual turnover of the first batch of spare parts and equipment is tentatively scheduled in the first quarter of next year," Andolong said.


Andolong said these spare parts and equipment will be used for the Philippine Air Force’s current compliment of UH-1H helicopters being used for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, transport, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The PAF is known to operate between 20 to 40 types of the "Huey" helicopter.

Meanwhile, Japan and the Philippines on Nov. 7 signed exchange of notes for two Official Development Assistance projects geared towards rehabilitating the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and enhancing defense.

In Tokyo's grant aid for Philippine defense enhancement, Japan will be allotting some 10.68 billion yen (at least PHP5 billion) worth of spare parts and maintenance equipment of UH-1H helicopters to the PAF consisting of the following categories: airframe structure; dynamic power system, control system; rotor system; hydraulic system; electrical system; instrument system; accessory equipment, among others.

On the country's mass transport system, Japan's grant aid involves a 38-billion yen (around PHP17.79 billion) loan for MRT3's complete rehabilitation.

PH, Russia joint group on defense cooperation convened anew

In a related development, the DND announced that the Joint Working Group (JWG) was convened for the second time in Moscow last November 7 as part of Manila's efforts to interact more with its Russian defense counterparts.

Andolong said this is in accordance with the 2017 Agreement on Defense Cooperation with the DND and the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The Philippine side was headed by DND Assistant Secretary for Assessment and International Affairs Teodoro Cirilo T. Torralba III while Russia was represented by Col. Maxim Vladimirovich Penkin, Head of the 5th Department of the Main Directorate of the International Military Cooperation.

"The JWG serves as a platform for both countries to discuss military-to-military engagements or activities for both countries. For the second JWG meeting, the two countries finalized the Plan of Military Cooperation Activities," Andolong said in a statement.

"The plan consists of activities/engagements, which both sides agreed to conduct in 2019 to include high level exchanges, port visits of navy vessels, attendance in conferences/fora, general staff consultations, cooperation and security consultations, reciprocal visits of delegations and observers for military training activities, and education and training exchanges," the DND spokesperson emphasized.

In relation, Andolong said the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the JWG on Defense Cooperation was signed during the meeting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053548

QCPD files raps vs. NDF consultant, 2 others

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): QCPD files raps vs. NDF consultant, 2 others



The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has filed charges against National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Vicente Ladlad and two others who were nabbed in a raid early Thursday.

In a statement Sunday, Chief Supt. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., QCPD director, said illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives were filed against Ladlad, Alberto Villamor and Virginia Villamor last Friday.

Esquivel said the charges against the suspects were formally filed before QC Assistant City Prosecutor (ACP) Julan C. Ilao. However, the chief inquest prosecutor has yet to approve Ilao’s resolution on the case.


Esquivel said that as far as the suspects are concerned, they shall remain under custody of the QCPD until an order coming from the court says otherwise.

“With the filing of charges against them, they shall have their day in court to prove their innocence,” he added.

Ladlad and his companions were arrested at Lot 16-A, Block 3 Saint Mark St. corner Saint Joseph St., Doña Tomasa, Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.

The raid was conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 89 Judge Cecilyn E. Burgos-Villavert against the three suspects for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053552

3 former RPA men convicted for slay of Kabankalan judge

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 10): 3 former RPA men convicted for slay of Kabankalan judge

Three former members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army were convicted yesterday for the murder of Kabankalan Judge Henry Arles six years ago and sentenced to each suffer reclusion perpetua without parole.

Judge Editha Mina Aguba of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 100, in a 37-page decision, found Alejandro Capunong, Eddie Fortunado, and Jessie Daguia guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the murder of Arles.


Arles was driving home from work when he was shot to death in Barangay Manalad, Ilog, Negros Occidental, 6:30 p.m. on April 24, 2012.

The court was told that Capunong and Fortunado, on board a tricycle, blocked Arles’ car, giving Daguia, who was following them on board a motorcycle, the opportunity to shoot Arles multiple times, causing his instantaneous death.

The court was also told that the three were paid to kill the judge with Daguia getting P81,000, Capunong – P31,000, and Fortunado – P75,000.

“Prize and reward obviously was the main consideration in committing the crime,” the decision noted, but no mention was made on who paid them.

The three accused were arrested on August 22, 2013.

The accused claimed that they were forced earlier to confess to the killing of Arles because they were tortured and threatened, but the judge pointed out that this was not supported by independent evidence.

Their physical examination by Dr. Roberto Rey San Diego, a National Bureau of Investigation medico legal officer, does not support the claim of torture, judge noted.

Their subsequent recantation to their confessions is more of an afterthought and cannot be given merit, the judge said.

“Such repudiation apparently was made to escape the present case. They must not be allowed to play with evidence, much more with justice. They have no license to change their minds at their own whims and caprices without repercussions,” the judge said.

The three accused cannot have their cakes and eat it too, the judge said in her decision, copy of which was furnished the DAILY STAR by Arles’ son, Philip.

After serving 30 years, a person sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua may be pardoned. Accused Capunong, Fortunado and Daguia are sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua without parole, Philip Arles said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/November/10/topstory1.htm

Former Sayyafs received ARMM aid

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 10): Former Sayyafs received ARMM aid

BASILAN – More than 100 former members of the Abu Sayyaf who surrendered to the government finished the Alternative Learning System in Basilan province and received from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao various aid, including housing and farming projects as part of Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE).

PAVE is the ARMM reintegration program designed to provide opportunities to former militants who returned to the fold of law to become productive members of society and assist the communities destroyed by the armed conflict.


John Louie Balagot, ARMM’s Cabinet Secretary and PAVE program manager emphasized that helping the Abu Sayyaf returnees is just one part of the reintegration program because the regional government is engage in assisting affected communities, especially the youth and women sectors, which have important roles in preventing terrorism.

“Isa din sa pinaka-objective ng program ay magkaroon ng reconciliation and healing process between the victims and the ASG returnees,” Sec. Balagot said, adding, the communities affected by the violence last year received housing and livelihood projects.

“Gusto na po namin ng kapayapaan at katahimikan kaya nagpapasalamat po kami sa pagtanggap sa amin at pagbigay ng tulong para mas maayos namin ang buhay ng pamilya namin,” Balaman Musad, one of the returnees, said.

Musad is helping construct houses in the community and is also a recipient of the livelihood project and ALS.

“Malaking tulong po talaga ang proyekto ng PAVE sa amin dahil nagkaroon na po kami ng pangkabuhayan at magkakaroon na ng sariling bahay,” said Leizel Arelon, a mother of two and one of the housing and livelihood project beneficiaries in the village of Tubigan in the town of Maluso.

Arelon’s family is among the survivors of the August 2017 massacre perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf in Tubigan where militants torched house and killed civilians.

Muz-ar Angkun, another beneficiary, also attended the ALS classes. “Inaayos ko na po ang buhay ko ngayon para maging mabuting modelo sa aking mga anak at upang hindi sila maligaw ng landas,” he said. “Bilang ama ng walong anak, ayoko pong maranasan nila ang mga naranasan ko kaya nagsusumikap po ako ngayon para mas maging mabuti silang tao.”

They are also recipients of the ARMM’s Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development with Growth and Equity food distribution program. The ARMM’s Health Education Livelihood Peace and Governance and Synergy program, meanwhile, constructed infrastructure projects in the community.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has earmarked P20 million for the implementation of the program, which also covers assistance to returnees from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. (Bureau of Public Information)


https://mindanaoexaminer.com/former-sayyafs-received-armm-aid/ 

14 NPAs, 105 supporters surrender in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): 14 NPAs, 105 supporters surrender in Zambo Sur



Fourteen New People's Army (NPA) rebels and 105 supporters surrendered Friday and joined the peace rally condemning the NPA held at the market site of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Information Office)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Fourteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and 105 supporters surrendered and condemned the NPA in a rally Friday in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Obena, the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion (44IB) commander, said the group of NPA rebels and supporters surrendered Friday in the municipality of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.


Obena said the rebels turned over 127 firearms to 44IB and were subsequently turned over to the police for documentation.

The NPA surrenderees later joined a peace rally held at the market site of Bayog town.

The rally was initiated by the municipal government, civil society organizations, and non-government organizations, Obena said.

Obane said the rally was followed by an oath of allegiance to the government by the NPA surrenderees and supporters.

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the mass surrender "is an evidence of mistrust and frustration to the NPA that hinders peace and progress in their community."

“We will continuously collaborate with stakeholders for their enrollment to Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government,” Gaerlan added.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the efforts of the Army units, the police, and the local stakeholders who facilitated the surrender of the NPA rebels

“Let us give peace a chance. We should work together for a just and lasting peace without the use of arms and violence,” said Murillo, who is also the Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao) commander.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053532