IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, Nov. 23 --The membership of the New People's Army (NPA) in Bukidnon continues to decrease as 14 more members surrendered to the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, at 7:00 am of November 23.
After the peace dialogue among the local government officials, tribal elders and leaders in the community, immersion of the Community Support Program teams, and continuous military operations of the Philippine Army, ten “Milisya ng Bayan” and four regular NPA members voluntarily yielded to the government bringing with them 12 different kinds of firearms and a hand grenade.
They belong to the Sub-Regional Committee 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Command which continues to pose threats in Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.
Mayor Reynante Inocando of Cabanglasan extended his gratitude to the surrenderers and promised to deliver more basic services needed in their community.
He also underscored the importance of good governance in achieving peace adding that bringing government services closer to the people is much needed in today's situation.
“Fifty years is enough for the NPA to exploit issues. We will address these issues to stop their recruitment scheme. Let us work hand in hand to achieve this. Peace and development will follow,” he further said.
The Local Government Unit of Cabanglasan has turned-over completed water systems and reservoir projects, multi-purpose drying pavements, multi-purpose buildings, additional pipings, and seedlings, as well as distributed school supplies on October 1, 2019.
These are proof that Cabanglasan is serious in addressing the issues exploited by the NPAs.
Barangay Canangaan, on the other hand, has declared the members of CPP-NPA as persona non grata on February 7 through Resolution No. 09 Series of 2019.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, lauded the 14 former NPA members for their decision.
“They made the right decision. They are now feeling the presence of government services and they realized that armed struggle is not a solution to the problem. Good governance is the key and the local government will continue to bring it to the community,” he said.
The surrenderers were informed of the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). They were also given assurance that the 8th Infantry Battalion will assist them in their enrolment to the program. (8th IB/PA)
Source: 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030662
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