72 NPA rebels surrender, 62 arrested in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3, 2022): 72 NPA rebels surrender, 62 arrested in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

The Police Regional Office in Bicol region (PRO-5) said 62 New People's Army (NPA) rebels were nabbed while 72 have returned to the fold of the law as a result of the government’s retooled community support program from January to May this year.

In an interview on Friday, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said during the conduct of internal security operations, 10 died among the 62 rebels arrested.

"In keeping up with its mission of maintaining peace and order, ensuring public safety and internal security, Bicol police remains stern to suppress and wipe off the existence of the NPA in the Bicol region," Calubaquib said.

The support program, she noted, enabled the Philippine National Police (PNP) to establish a rapport with the rebels and paved the way for encouraging them to mend their ways and begin a new life.

Along with this, PRO-5 also persists in introducing the whole-of-nation approach embedded under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 to victims of the false ideologies of the rebel group as the organization helps to reintegrate them into mainstream society, Calubaquib said.

Brig. Gen. Mario Reyes, PRO-5 director, said in a statement, “We are certain that through our non-stop operation, we shall be able to further weaken these lawless elements until none of them continue to exist. PRO-5 has done much and shall carry on its efforts to sustain the momentum."

The Communist Party of the Philippines - NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175832