NPA member yields firearm, ammo in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11, 2021): NPA member yields firearm, ammo in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

BACK IN MAINSTREAM. A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army (91IB) in Aurora province on Sunday (Jan. 10, 2021). The rebel likewise yielded to the government troops one M16 rifle, one short magazine for M16 with 13 rounds of ammunition, and one Icom two-way radio. (Photo by Army's 91st IB)

BALER, Aurora – A former member of the New People's Army (NPA) has voluntarily surrendered to the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army (91IB) in this province on Sunday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, 91IB commander, on Monday said the surrenderer was identified as alias "Ka Gi", a former member/courier of Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon (KR) Cagayan Valley, who is now a resident of Barangay Dimaseset, Dilasag town, this province.

Rubio said that Ka Gi is also a former president of Kabataang Makabayan (KM) before being recruited as NPA member in Barangay Cadsalan, San Mariano, Isabela province.

The former rebel likewise surrendered one M16 rifle, one short magazine for M16 with 13 rounds of ammunition, and one Icom radio to the Bravo Company, 91IB in Barangay Dibaraybay, Dinalungan town, this province.

Rubio said combined elements of Bravo Company, 7ID (lead unit) led by 1st Lt. Bobby A. Ferrer, Bravo Company commander, and Aurora Police Provincial Office facilitated the voluntary surrender of Ka Gi.

He also lauded the decision of the former rebel to return to mainstream society.

“This only shows that our collaborative efforts are effective. The armed struggle has only brought sufferings, death and misery to our people. Let us stop using violence for the sake of non-sense revolution,” Rubio said in an interview.

He also urged other rebels to lay down their arms and return to the comfort of their families and friends.

“Live peacefully and take advantage of the government’s integration program because it will provide you with an opportunity to have a peaceful life in the communities and together we will solve our problems in a peaceful way,” he added.

The former rebel can avail of benefits through the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1126966