4 NPA rebels surrender in Surigao del Sur

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 18, 2024): 4 NPA rebels surrender in Surigao del Sur (By MIKE CRISMUNDO

BUTUAN CITY – Four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion in Carmen, Surigao del Sur, over the weekend.



FOUR New People’s Army surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Carmen, Surigao del Sur last weekend. (Photo of via Mike U. Crismundo)

The surrenderers were identified as Commander Depor, squad leader of Squad 3; and Commander Lito, squad leader of Squad 2, both of Platoon 1 of the Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF 30) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and their followers Judge and Grey, medical officer of Squad 2.

They surrendered one AK47 rifle and one caliber .45 pistol with magazines and ammunition.

The 36th IB said difficult life in the mountains forced them to surrender.

“The decision to surrender was driven by hardships they faced in the hinterlands in evading our government troops,” said 36th IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Vincent M. Viray.

“With the knowledge that the government forces treat the surrendered NPAs humanely, and at the same time knowing that the government has comprehensive plans for all surrendered brothers and sisters to have a fresh start through the government programs and benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), they chose to surrender,” he added.

Viray said the series of surrenders by communist rebels in Surigao del Sur manifests that the collaborative efforts of various government instrumentalities and the strong support of civil society organizations are effective in resolving the root causes of the insurgency problem.

He lauded the quarter’s decision to the fold of the law.

“They made a wise decision to surrender,” he said. “It prevents the unfortunate and unnecessary loss of lives like what happened to their comrades. This marks another step forward toward lasting peace and stability,” Viray said, adding: “Once again, I encourage the remaining NPA members to follow the decision of the four surrenderers and embrace the path and reconciliation.”

He said the 36th IB remains committed to its effort to foster peace and reconciliation.

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