4 NPA rebels yield after soldiers retrieve terrorist war materials in Quezon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 25, 2020): 4 NPA rebels yield after soldiers retrieve terrorist war materials in Quezon (By PA 2ID DPAO) 

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Sept 25 (PIA) --Four more NPA rebels voluntarily surrendered a few hours after soldiers recovered an M16 rifle along with explosives in Quezon on Wednesday, September 23.

Based on the report that reached the 2nd Infantry Division, the former rebels belonged to the NPA’s Sub Regional Military Area or SRMA 4A and opted to surrender after localized peace negotiation in Brgy Canaway, General Nakar while the recovery of war materials in an NPA-designated arms stash took place in Brgy Magsaysay, Infanta all in Quezon province.

Lt. Col. Jesus Diocton, Commanding Officer of 1IB, identified the former rebels as alias Anton, alias Alvin, alias Jim, and alias Boy, adding that all of them used to play key roles in the NPA atrocities in the hinterland communities of Quezon.

“We were also able to recover one M16 rifle, one hand grenade, and an anti-personnel landmine after our troops acted upon the reports of our informant regarding an arms cache belonging to the terrorists.”

“These NPA terrorists hide their firearms and other war materials whenever they want to evade our forces and recover them once the government troops leave the area,” added Diocton.

The military has recorded a total of 115 surrendered firearms since 2016.

BGen Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Brigade said that the community’s support to our soldiers has caused growing demoralization and disenchantment across the ranks of the NPA rebels resulting to unprecedented number of surrenders and recovery of firearms as the government advances its campaign to finally push these terrorists in the verge of irreversible collapse.

“Our soldiers have proven, yet again, their ability to secure their informants and their families from any acts of retaliation from the NPA terrorists.”

Rillera added that those willing NPA rebels who will turn their backs from the armed conflict will be treated humanely and with dignity while those who shall insist to stay on the path of terrorism must be ready to face the full force of the law.

The former rebels are set to undergo the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP enrollment process, where a former rebel will be assessed by the DSWD for profiling and counseling by their health experts in preparation for their reintegration to the mainstream society.

For his part, MGen Greg Almerol, Commander of the Army's 2nd Infantry Division praised the bravery of the concerned civilians who set aside their safety and wellbeing, and instead, chose to help the government forces by tipping off timely information to support our quest to end the five-decade insurgency and bring peace the soonest possible time.

“We are calling the remaining NPA terrorists to abandon your violent ideologies and return to the folds of the law so that you and your families will be able to have a bright and secured future and without you having to die for an unworthy cause.”

Almerol assured the people of Southern Tagalog that the government will not tolerate any acts of terror to its forces and most especially to the Filipino citizens whom the government vowed to serve and protect.

At present, 2ID has facilitated the surrender of 678 former rebels across Southern Tagalog and it will remain committed to advocate peace and serve the people under its jurisdiction. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054221