Ex-NPA rebel surrenders

 From the Manila Times (Aug 16, 2021): Ex-NPA rebel surrenders

A FORMER member of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered before the Philippine Army in the municipality of Libungan, North Cotabato.

The former rebel, who is a member of the Manobo tribe, was identified as alias "Kulot." He was part of the NPA's Milisyang Bayan under the Guerilla Front 57.

The surrenderer also turned over a 12-gauge shotgun and one 5.56 mm rifle with bullets.

Alias Kulot said he turned himself over because he wanted to live peacefully with his family and his tribe. He also added that they were deceived by the NPA when the group promised them a prosperous life but in reality, they experienced hardship and fear under the wing of the communist group.

He said he could no longer bear the violent orders for him to take down fellow members of the Indigenous Peoples who oppose the rebellion.

"Gusto na nako makauban akong pamilya ug magpuyo nga malinawon (I want to be with my family and live peacefully)," he said.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr., commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion, expressed his gratitude for the Libungan police who helped convince Kulot to return to the folds of the law.


Vilchez also called for other members of the NPA to take advantage of the government's program for rebel returnees under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to live a peaceful life.

Meanwhile, Libungan Mayor Francis Aris Yu instructed the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office to conduct a psychosocial intervention and provide livelihood assistance for the mainstreaming of alias Kulot.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/17/news/regions/ex-npa-rebel-surrenders/1811191