IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay –- Eleven members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to Philippine Army units in Zamboanga Peninsula from June 16 to July 11 through the efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) of Region 9.
The surrenderees, with six assorted firearms, included five NPA regular members and six Militia ng Bayan members who surrendered to Army units under the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division. The surrenders were facilitated by the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 institutionalizing a whole of nation approach in ending the local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) and the implementation of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The surrenderees revealed that they were no longer satisfied with the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) in their communities and longed for a normal life with their respective families. They were further convinced to surrender due to the successful surrender of many of their colleagues and the reintegration packages given to them through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Close coordination between the local governments of the three provinces in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the local populace and stakeholders, and the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade and its operational units expedited the surrenders.
E-CLIP is the government’s peace building and social protection program that provides interventions to surrendered members of the NPA rebels and Militia ng Bayan to become productive citizens of society.
The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) was created last May 24, 2019 under Executive Order No. 70. The said executive order is a whole-of-nation approach institutionalized by the government for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace through prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities, facilitating societal inclusivity, and ensuring active participation of all sectors of society in the pursuit of the country’s agenda.
“The increase in surrender of NPA members is a direct result of the convergence of efforts of the local government units and other stakeholders through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)” said BGen Bagnus P Gaerlan Jr., commander of the 102 IB.
The 102nd Brigade is the AFP unit designated to conduct development support and security operations in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Misamis Occidental. The Brigade has one of the largest assigned areas of responsibility in the AFP and is the only Brigade confronting all identified threat groups in the country.
“Our focus military operation and purposive civil military operation will continue, and together with the stakeholders, we will assist the former rebels in availing of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for them to become productive citizens of our country,” BGen Gaerlan added. (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/1ID Press Release)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024567
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