CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Five communist rebels surrendered to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, Thursday morning.
Brig. Gen. Eugenio Hernandez, the commander of the 1st Marine Brigade based in Kalamansig, said the intensified and relentless operation in the mountain borders of Kalamansig, Lebak, and Sen. Ninoy Aquino, all in Sultan Kudarat, prompted the surrender of the five rebels.
“Due to our intensified military operations and information campaign on the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the rebels decided to yield to our troops in Kalamansig,” Hernandez said in a statement.
The former rebels, all from the Dulangan-Manobo indigenous cultural community, belonged to NPA Guerilla Front 73 operating in the peripheries of neighboring Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani provinces.
On the same day, the surrenderers were presented to Kalamansig Mayor Ronan Eugene Garcia who announced that the local government will work on their enrolment into the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Garcia said the former rebels will receive E-CLIP benefits, such as free housing, reintegration program worth PHP21,000, livelihood assistance worth PHP50,000, free college education, and other government benefits.
Ka Ramil, one of the surrenderers, admitted they were deceived by NPA leaders who promised them land ownership and education by fighting the government.
“The promises are all empty emanating from a futile cause,” he said in the vernacular.
Ka Ramil said many of their comrades are just waiting for a chance to come down and surrender.
Garcia said the former rebels will be given jobs and may be recruited as members of the Civilian Active Auxiliary force to become productive citizens.
“We will continue to do our mandate to keep the peace and prosperity in the municipalities,” Hernandez said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062602
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