66 NPA rebels surrender in Davao —military

From GMA News (Mar 26, 2019): 66 NPA rebels surrender in Davao —military

PANACAN, Davao City – A total of 66 New People's Army (NPA) rebels and supporters surrendered to authorities early this week, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said.

Lieutenant General Felimon T. Santos Jr., commander of Eastmincom, said the rebels decided to return to the fold of the law due to the "relentless combat operations and continuous peaceful war of reaching out to the communities, Community Support Programs, and the unwavering assistance of the local government units and local government agencies."

"This is the result if stakeholders of peace work together, marching in unison to attain peace in every community. Indeed, this is the victory of convergence and victory of peace," Santos added.

The 27 NPA regular members together with 13 "militia ng bayan" yielded with the help of barangay officials of Mampi, Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur (SDS). Some twenty-four supporters or couriers who are currently residing at Sitio Ibuan of the same barangay also dissociated and denounced their membership and support with the rebels.

The rebels who yielded brought with them assorted medical and dental supplies, cellphones, and other war materials with "high informative military value."

Santos said the continuous exodus of rebels was "a manifestation that local peace initiatives are effective and calls to continue and sustain the multi and inter-agency efforts to end the conflict."

"Let us continue with our multi and inter-agency efforts to end the conflict and bring the much-needed services into the conflict-affected communities that will address the issues of conflict effectively and sustainably," Santos said.

Currently, the former rebels are undergoing necessary procedures to facilitate their inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/689290/66-npa-rebels-surrender-in-davao-military/story/