13 NPA members surrender in Samar, yield high-powered guns

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2023): 13 NPA members surrender in Samar, yield high-powered guns (By Sarwell Meniano)

LEAVING THE NPA. The 13 leaders and members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Samar pledge their allegiance to the government during their presentation at the 8th Infantry Division headquarters in Catbalogan City, Samar on Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2023). The rebels handed over 10 M16 rifles, two .45-caliber handguns, and one Glock 17 pistol. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – At least 13 members of the New People’s Army, including their leaders, have surrendered in Samar province and turned over their high-powered firearms after decades of fighting the government.

The Philippine Army presented on Tuesday the surrenderers belonging to the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) sub-regional committee Bugsok Platoon during a press briefing at the 8th Infantry Division headquarters in this city.

The rebels handed over 10 M16 rifles, two .45-caliber handguns, and one Glock 17 pistol. They also revealed the location of banned anti-personnel mines, medical paraphernalia, and several ammunitions.

Col. Lenart Lelina, Philippine Army 801st Brigade commander, said the rebels operated in the towns of Pinabacdao, Calbiga, and Basey in Samar province.

“The disintegration of the leaders and members of the EVRPC is a manifestation that our efforts together with our stakeholders and peacebuilders have made them realize that we are sincere to help,” Lelina said.

Their decision to surrender, according to Lelina, is a “peaceful way” to end the armed struggle in the province.

The military official said their surrender is a result of the intervention of the local peace engagement cluster of the Samar provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict.

One of the surrenderers Dino Bachicha, a platoon leader said the struggle of hiding in the mountains and lack of support from communities prompted them to abandon the armed struggle.

“Since the formation of task force to end local communist armed conflict, life in the mountains was a real struggle with no new recruits, lack of food supplies, and no support from communities” said Bachicha, who joined the NPA in 2008 when he was 16.

The new batch of surrenderers include political guide, squad leader, vice squad leader, and squad members. Most of them are under the platoon led by Bachicha.

In a statement, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan welcomed the decision of rebels to renounce their membership in the NPA.

“Earlier today, we have processed their documents, from the initial review to medical and dental checkup and other needed social services. This is how we welcome our former rebels, we take care of them and attend to their needs. We are committed to provide our peacebuilders a better living environment,” the governor added.

Alma Gabin, a former NPA team leader in the region and now the president of the Eastern Visayas Peace Builders and Development Federation, has welcomed the decision of former rebels to leave the communist movement.

“Continue your passion to serve the people in the right way. You belong to our group now who will convince other active NPA members to surrender,” said Gabin, who was captured in Leyte two years ago.

Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, Army 8th Infantry Division commander, said NPA members are dwindling in numbers and are under pressure with the loss of forces and mass bases.

“Their surrender only proves that they are fed up with the wrong ideologies of the NPA. Also, this indicates that their trust and support are now shifted from the NPA to the government. With this, rest assured that the Army will assist them to avail the benefits under Enhance Comprehensive and Local Integration Program,” Ligayo added.

The Samar provincial government committed to provide a package of assistance to former rebels as they returned to their communities.

The NPA launched its first tactical operation in the country in Calbiga town, Samar in 1974, when its members ambushed an Army scout patrol and seized several weapons.

In 1976, the NPA gained popular support among the inhabitants of Samar following its actions against cattle rustling gangs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192912