5 alleged NPA rebels surrender in Laguna, Rizal, Quezon

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 27, 2021): 5 alleged NPA rebels surrender in Laguna, Rizal, Quezon (By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.)

Five alleged members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered with some of their firearms in Quezon, Laguna, and Rizal province, an Army official said Saturday.

Captain Jayrald Ternio, chief of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division public affairs office, in a press statement, said two communist guerrillas, alias “Gio” and “Patrick,” surrendered to government forces in Barangay (village) Salipsip in the island town of Polilio in Quezon province on March 25.

The returnees surrendered one caliber .45 pistol with a magazine, a caliber .38 revolver, and one hand grenade, Ternio said.

On the same day, “JM,” also reportedly surrendered to the soldiers in Barangay Juan Santiago in Sta. Maria town in Laguna, carrying his M16 rifle.

Ternio said two other alleged NPA rebels, “Dexter” and “Joan,” also submitted themselves to government forces in Barangay Pinugay in Baraz, Rizal.

The duo, remnants of a rebel unit operating in the boundaries of Rizal and Laguna, brought with them one M1 carbine and bullets, Ternio reported.

Brigadier General Rommel Tello, 2nd ID acting commander, welcome the return of the NPA rebels to the folds of the law.

Tello described the surrender of the communist guerrillas as a “wise decision and marks a new beginning for you and your loved ones.”

“With your help, we shall build a better and safer country for our families and fellowmen while we ensure that you are secured from any terrorist’s acts of retaliation,” he said.

The 2nd ID is preparing the necessary assistance to the former rebels in their reintegration protocols under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip). E-Clip offers free medical treatments, education, housing, and legal aid to rebels who will surrender.

Each rebel can receive P700,000 in grants and benefits to help them and their families to start new lives, Ternio said.

The surrender happened just a few days before the NPA celebrates its 41st founding anniversary on March 29.

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