PNP anti-insurgency drive yields 54 NPA returnees in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13, 2020): PNP anti-insurgency drive yields 54 NPA returnees in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine National Police's anti-insurgency drive in Caraga Region has resulted in the surrender of 54 communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area from Sept. 17 to Oct. 10 this year.

Capt. Dorothy Tumulak, Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) spokesperson, said all police stations in the region are engaged in heightened information drives and initiatives to attract more NPA surrenderers and counter the propaganda of the communist rebel movement.

“Local residents are also informed about the programs of the government for former rebels such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or ECLIP,” Tumulak told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

The 54 surrenderers, she said, consisted of members of the Milisya ng Bayan members, Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs), and Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad.

A total of 28 high-powered firearms were also handed over to the government during the series of surrenders, she said, adding that PRO-13 also recorded five arrests of NPA members with standing warrants during the period.

Tumulak said the massive anti-insurgency drive in the region is among the priorities of newly-installed PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat, Jr.

In a separate statement Tuesday, Caramat said the substantial gains of PRO-13 against the NPA in the region can be attributed to the combined police and military operations, intelligence efforts, civil-military operations, reintegration efforts, and the peace and development programs with the local government units.

“The campaign against insurgency in Caraga Region remains in full swing despite the other responsibilities the police forces are performing amidst this pandemic,” Caramat said.

“Together, let us denounce the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) of their atrocities,” Caramat, as he urged Caraga residents to help in the government's fight against terrorism.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118356