2 NPA rebels yield, hand over firearms to Surigao Sur cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2023): 2 NPA rebels yield, hand over firearms to Surigao Sur cops (By Alexander Lopez)

SURRENDER. Fatigue and hunger forced two New People’s Army rebels to surrender to the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office in Tandag City on Saturday (July 22, 2023). The surrenderers also handed over two high-powered firearms to authorities. (Photo courtesy of SDSPPO)

BUTUAN CITY – Two communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on Saturday afternoon and handed over two high-powered firearms.

In a statement Sunday, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) said the two surrenderers, identified by their aliases “Jun,” 33, and “Bas,” 21, are regular members of Guerrilla Front Committee 14 under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.

The two insurgents also turned over to SDSPPO two 5.56-caliber M4A1 rifles, a military backpack, and two NPA sweatshirts.

“The two communist terrorist group members also presented themselves to Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel during their surrender,” SDSPPO director Col. Harry Domingo said in the same statement.

He added that fatigue and hunger forced the two rebels to abandon the communist movement and they decided to return peacefully to their families and communities.

“The surrender also proves the effectivity of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government,” Domingo said.

The two NPA rebels will undergo processes for them to qualify to avail of the benefits of the E-CLIP, especially livelihood assistance which will prepare them for reintegration to their communities, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206209