364 rebels in North, Central Luzon surrender in 1st quarter of 2021

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 3, 2021): 364 rebels in North, Central Luzon surrender in 1st quarter of 2021 (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu) 

TARLAC CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- About 364 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Regions 1,2,3 and Cordillera surrendered to government forces during the 1st quarter of 2021.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command Commander Lt.Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. disclosed that the returnees also yielded a total of 34 firearms.

These are in addition to the 396 rebels who surrendered last year and yielded 191 firearms. All have received various government aid under the Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“The 322 returnees last January and February this year are awaiting the release of their respective E-CLIP grants, while the remaining 42 rebels who surrendered last March are currently undergoing processing of their requirements to avail it,” Burgos furthered.

Apart from the surrenders, the security forces likewise neutralized during the 1st quarter of 2021 several high-profile officials of NPA in Northern and Central Luzon during the conduct of internal security and law enforcement operations

These include Rommel Tucay, the Secretary of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Sierra Madre; Rudy Daguitan alias Pinpin, the Political Officer of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Baggas; Nora Miguel alias Gemay, the Medical Officer of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Baggas; Delfin Pimentel of Central Luzon Regional Committee; and Rosalio Canubas alias Yuni, the leader of the NPA’s Regional Operations Command and concurrently the 2nd Deputy Secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon – Cagayan Valley.

“Sustained internal security and law enforcement operations coupled with the overwhelming support from local government units and the general public enabled the government troops to successfully thwart any terroristic action by communist terrorists in Northern and Central Luzon. Their leaders continue to fall while their disgruntled members surrender in droves to government forces. These are manifestations that the NPA’s defeat in this part of the country is inevitable,” Burgos stressed.

“We are determined to totally defeat the communist terrorists by the end of this year. We are right on track in winning the peace and promoting development for the peace-loving citizens of this part of the country. We will press on the fight and end the local communist armed conflict once and for all,” he furthered.

Burgos renewed his call to the remaining members of NPA to surrender.

“We are appealing to our misguided brothers and sisters in Northern and Central Luzon to contemplate and do the right thing. Lay down your arms, abandon your armed struggle and return to government fold for your sake and for the sake of your families,” he said. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071376