150 rebels, supporters surrender in Cagayan

From the Philippine Star (Feb 22, 2021): 150 rebels, supporters surrender in Cagayan (Michael Punongbayan)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has lauded the recent surrender of at least 150 New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas and their supporters in Cagayan.

Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., chief of the Northern Luzon Command, said the surrender was a major victory in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

“This mass surrender of the Milisya ng Bayan and party members from different NPA-affiliated mass organizations is a testament that the communist terrorists no longer enjoy the support of the masses in these communities,” Burgos said.

He urged other rebels and their supporters to abandon the armed struggle and return to the fold of the law.

The surrenderees are currently undergoing debriefing and profiling, a requirement for the government’s enhanced comprehensive local integration program set for returning rebels.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/02/22/2079428/150-rebels-supporters-surrender-cagayan