NPA rebels, sympathizers yield in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): NPA rebels, sympathizers yield in Bukidnon

The government's relentless anti-insurgency campaign in Northern Mindanao had resulted to the surrender of at least 130 members and sympathizers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Bukidnon province, the military said Thursday.

Among those who surrendered were two active combatants, 35 members of the Militia ng Bayan, and 93 civilian supporters of the NPA, said Capt. Norman Tagros, spokesperson for the Philippine Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, a unit of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID).

The surrenderees also brought along themselves 34 assorted firearms and an improvised explosive device, Capt. Tagros said.

Tagros said the rebels and their sympathizers surrendered to the First Special Forces Battalion in Sumilao town, in Bukidnon, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.

Bukidnon has been known as one of the region's flashpoints that has a significant presence of NPA fighters and mass-based supporters, especially in the hinterlands of Mount Kitanglad, Mount Kalatungan and the Calabugao valley areas.

The province has at least four guerrilla fronts or fighting units that operate within those mountains. The Communist insurgents are also known to be operating in some parts of the Caraga Region.

The surrender, Tagros said, was the product of the military's sustained "community support programs" as well as its combat operations against the rebels.

Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, the brigade commander, called the surrenderees as a “significant moment” that greatly contributes to the government's "bid to finally attain peace in our communities here in Bukidnon.”

Vinoya also assured the surrenderers they will be provided economic assistance as they start a new life through livelihood projects and capacity development programs of the government.

“The government has prepared a program for you such as the Comprehensive Local Initiative Program wherein our brothers who are former members of the NPA will receive cash and livelihood assistance, housing, employment assistance, among others,” Vinoya said in a statement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024527