Six NPA terrorists surrender, turn over firearms in Quezon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 10, 2020): Six NPA terrorists surrender, turn over firearms in Quezon (By PA 2ID DPAO) 

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Oct 10 (PIA) --The Army's 2nd Infantry Division has recorded another breakthrough following the surrender of six NPA rebels with firearms in Quezon on October 1.

The former rebels turned over one carbine rifle, one Cal. 38, bandolier, five magazines, and ammunition to personnel of 85th Infantry Battalion in Brgy Cambuga, Mulanay, Quezon.

Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Brigade mentioned that the unprecedented number of surrenders is due to the rebel groups' failure to regard their combatants' lives and support their families as promised.

"As per testimony of the former rebels, all of them are active members and allies of the NPA, thus, we are expecting them to share valuable information that will help us deal with the few remaining terrorist that will push them toward their eventual defeat in this part of the country," added Tolentino.

The military upholds the former rebels' safety protocols by keeping their true identities in private to avoid NPA retaliatory acts to those who call for peace.

For his part, Major General Greg Almerol, Commander of Army's 2nd Infantry Division lauded the former rebels for choosing the path of peace over violence.

Almerol ordered his soldiers to provide necessary assistance to the former rebels while they undergo the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP enrollment process that entails DSWD assessment, profiling, and counseling together with health experts in preparation for their reintegration to the mainstream society.

"I am calling for unity in ending this battle against terrorism amidst the horrors our nation is currently facing. Together, we can help build a better country without turning to armed struggle," appealed Almerol.

Since the implementation of E-CLIP in 2016, the 2nd Infantry Division has facilitated a total of 685 former rebels and 118 firearms as a result of continued localized peace negotiations across Southern Tagalog. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055618