Extreme hunger pushes NPA member to surrender

 From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 7, 2020): Extreme hunger pushes NPA member to surrender (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) – One member of the Communist New People's Army Terrorist surrendered to the government, November 7, after experiencing extreme hunger and hardship in the armed group.

Alias “Jun,” a member of Igabon Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay, said he decided to leave the communist armed movement because he can no longer endure the extreme hunger and hardship inside the armed group.

“He also realized that he is fighting for a meaningless armed struggle that only had given fear and horror to his life. His conscience has bothered him because of their terroristic activities against the government forces and innocent civilians,” a media release from 61st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army said.

Alias Jun surrendered his one US Carbine, Cal .30 M2, ammunition, and magazines.

Meanwhile, 61IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict G Batara said "as we strengthen our campaign, we are winning and gaining peace in our area of responsibility.”

Batara thanked Alias Jun for returning back to the folds of the law and eventually decided to be the Army’s partner for peace and development.

"We are still calling on the remaining NPA members in the mountains to come down, live a normal life with your families and friends, and be a productive member of the community," he added.

Alias Jun, who already embraced peace, is now in the government's good hands and will be granted all the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (PIA6/With report from1Lt Gil T. Gamay/CMO-61IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058372