Another member of NPA surrenders in Northern Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 7): Another member of NPA surrenders in Northern Samar

Before the month of February ended, another member of New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Northern Samar surrendered to the government forces.

A report coming from 8th Infantry Division Public Affair Chief Captain Amado Gutierrez stated that the incident on February 27 was the second in a month that an NPA rebel surrendered to the 34th Infantry Battalion based at Brgy. Tambangan, Gamay, Northern Samar.  It may be recalled that on February 8, 2014, four NPA rebels surrendered to the said Army battalion.

This is an indication that some NPA rebels have been enlightened that progress will not be achieved through armed struggle, Captain Gutierrez said. 

The government is giving an assurance to the NPA rebels the benefits they will receive soon as they surrender and to enjoy peaceful productive life with their families.

With this increasing number of rebel returnees in some towns in Northern Samar, it is possible that Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP’s) will attain the aim to achieve its goal for all towns in this province to be conflict manageable by end of this year.

According to Captain Gutierrez, a certain AKA “ Bobong”, a member of NPA Semi-Legal Team surrendered to the 34th IB and brought along with him is one calibre .45 pistol with one magazine and three live ammunition, one .357 revolver and two fragmentation grenades.

Currently, the rebel returnee is in the custody the 34th Infantry Battalion as his application to avail of the government livelihood program is on process.

Under the AFP Guns for Peace remuneration Program, the former rebel will receive P16, 500.00 for the .45 caliber pistol, P30, 000.00 for the .357 revolver and P1, 000.00 for the two fragmentation grenades that he surrendered.

In addition, the returnee is also entitled to receive P10, 000.00 immediate assistance and P30, 000.00 livelihood assistance from the Provincial Government of Northern Samar under its Local Social Integration Program.

 “The government is sincere in its effort to realize everyone’s aspirations for peace. We assure the NPA rebels that sent us surrender feelers and want to avail of the government’s social integration program that the 34IB’s door is open to assist them in any way we can,”34IB Commanding Officer  Lt Col Rodrigo Ilustrisimo stated.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1141394179314