11 NPA rebels surrender in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2022): 11 NPA rebels surrender in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

SURRENDER. A New People's Army (NPA) rebel turns over his firearm to Brig. Gen Aldwine Almase, 903rd Brigade Commander (second from right) in Castilla town, Sorsogon province on Sunday (Dec. 25, 2022). Also in photo are Barcelona town councilor Rico Falcotelo (left) and Lt. Col. Marlon Mojica (right). (Photo courtesy of 903rd Brigade CMO)

LEGAZPI CITY – A total of 11 New People's Army (NPA) rebels operating under the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) in Sorsogon have voluntarily surrendered over the weekend at the 903rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Barangay San Rafael, Castilla town.

In an interview on Tuesday, 1Lt. Richelle Arambuyong, 903rd Brigade Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer, said the majority of the surrenderers abandoned the communist terrorist group (CTG) because of the hardship of being away from their respective families.

"Longing to celebrate a peaceful Christmas with their families, they rejoined the mainstream of society and returned to the folds of the law. The surrenderers were presented to Sorsogon 2nd District Representative Manuel Fortes Jr., who was represented by Barcelona councilor Rico Falcotelo," Arambuyong said.

She said the former rebels surrendered on Sunday and turned over seven assorted firearms that include a Carbine, 9mm pistol, a KG-9 semi-automatic firearm, and one UZI 9mm Ingram, among others.

"The surrenderers also received cash assistance from Rep. Fortes and food packs from 903rd Infantry Brigade (903IB). And as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) program, they will also be granted assistance, such as housing, livelihood, educational, and medical programs and benefits, among others, from the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)," Arambuyong said.

In a statement, Brig. Gen Aldwine Almase, 903rd Brigade Commander, applauded the 11 surrenderers for their eagerness and courage in returning to the fold of the law to be with their families this Yuletide Season. He also encouraged the remaining CTG members to give up the armed struggle.

“Nananawagan po kami sa ating mga kapatid na nasa armadong grupo pa rin na isuko na ang inyong mga armas upang mamuhay ng mapayapa at makabuluhan kasama ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay lalo na ngayong kapaskohan at bagong-taon (We are calling on our brothers and sisters who are still in armed groups to surrender their weapons to live a peaceful and meaningful life with their loved ones especially this Christmas and New Year)," Almase said.

Almase added that the continuous security operations in the 903IB's area, the record of mass surrender this year, and the recent demise of Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison are factors for the high probability of another snowball of surrenders in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) in collaboration with the Philippine Army was placed on full alert status in time for the 54th founding anniversary of the Community Party of the Philippines on Monday.

Also, round-the-clock foot and mobile patrols were conducted to monitor and deter any atrocities and offensive actions by lawless elements.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191506