Alleged rebel surrenders in Neg. Or.

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 9): Alleged rebel surrenders in Neg. Or.

An alleged member of the New People's Army operating in Negros surrendered to troops of the 79 th Infantry Battalion, 3 rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, Saturday, the military said.

1Lt. Ronnie Sarmiento, the battalion's Civil Military Operations officer, identified the surrenderee as alias Rbg/Kent/Jai/Jacent/Ryzo , 24, alleged vice team leader of Team 3 of the Armadong Yunit Propaganda, South Eastern Front-Remnants, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros.

He added the rebel spent eight years as Red fighter, and brought along a .45 Colt MKIV caliber pistol, with serial number 800011, when he surrendered.

The former rebel said he decided to leave the underground movement because he had lost thrust and interest to pursue the armed struggle due to internal conflicts in the organization, a press release from the 70 th IB said.

He added he wants to live in a peaceful community with his family, free from fear and danger, Sarmiento said.

Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, commanding officer of the 79 th IB, said active NPA terrorists who want to lay down their arms and join the mainstream society will be given help, but for those who continue to sow terror, they will be relentlessly pursued, the press release said.

The Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government awaits those who will take the path of peace. The CLIP offers opportunity for rebel returnees to return to their families and communities, and avail of a comprehensive package, that include initial financial assistance, livelihood training to go with a provision for initial capital, and remuneration for firearms surrendered.

CLIP ensures that a returnee is secured and fully reintegrated back to society. It also capitalizes on the desire of would-be returnees to live normal lives in the comfort of their families, away from harm's way and difficulties of living in the mountains.

Pascua urged other rebels to follow suit and accept the futility of their armed struggle as the government is sincere in helping and assisting them in going back to a normal and peaceful life.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/November/09/negor2.htm