From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 21, 2020): Another NPA surrenders to gov’t troop (By Jemin B. Guillermo)
ILOILO CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) – Another member of the New People’s Army (NPA) from Tubungan, Iloilo voluntarily surrendered himself to the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion on November 20, 2020.The surrenderer is identified as Alyas Ramon, 30 years old and a member of Sibat Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay.
He surrendered with one Cal .45 Colt pistol, one magazine of cal .45 loaded with seven rounds ammunition and one long homemade shotgun with five rounds ammunition, a press report from 61IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer 1st Lt. Gil Gamay said.
Alias “Ramon,” in his vernacular language, said that he decided to surface and lay down his firearms because of hunger and hardship in the area and he realized that he had been in the group for a long time but has done nothing good.
“I was made to believe that we are fighting for the right cause. Instead, we harass and ambush government forces, conduct extortions, terrorize the people and recruit minors which are grave violations of human rights," Alias Ramon narrated.
Alias "Ramon" poses with 61st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara and Tubungan, Iloilo mayor Roquito Tacsagon during his surrender to the government troop, (61IB photo)
For his part, Tubungan, Iloilo mayor Roquito Tacsagon expressed his sincere appreciation to Alias Ramon's decision to surrender.
"This was his best decision in life of going back to the folds of the law and live a normal life with his family. LGU Tubungan will help him start a new life and make him a productive member of the community,” Tacsagon said, adding that they have a lot of programs intended for former rebels.
On the other hand, 61IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Joel Benedict G Batara said that the surrender of Alias Ramon only shows that these NPA members have realized that their armed struggle has tremendously created a miserable effect to the country's peace and progress.
“They now prefer to live peacefully with their family,” Batara said.
He also reminded the remaining members of the NPA that fighting with our government can never be the solution to the problem.
“We should work hand in hand for a better society, without terror and disunity. Rest assured we are always open to give equal opportunities to those who want to embrace peace," Batara stressed.
Meanwhile, the Army will help Alias Ramon to enroll in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) so that he can start a new life. (PIA6/1st Lt. Gil Gamay/61IB-CMO,PA)
For his part, Tubungan, Iloilo mayor Roquito Tacsagon expressed his sincere appreciation to Alias Ramon's decision to surrender.
"This was his best decision in life of going back to the folds of the law and live a normal life with his family. LGU Tubungan will help him start a new life and make him a productive member of the community,” Tacsagon said, adding that they have a lot of programs intended for former rebels.
On the other hand, 61IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Joel Benedict G Batara said that the surrender of Alias Ramon only shows that these NPA members have realized that their armed struggle has tremendously created a miserable effect to the country's peace and progress.
“They now prefer to live peacefully with their family,” Batara said.
He also reminded the remaining members of the NPA that fighting with our government can never be the solution to the problem.
“We should work hand in hand for a better society, without terror and disunity. Rest assured we are always open to give equal opportunities to those who want to embrace peace," Batara stressed.
Meanwhile, the Army will help Alias Ramon to enroll in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) so that he can start a new life. (PIA6/1st Lt. Gil Gamay/61IB-CMO,PA)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1059621
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