130 rebels, supporters yield in Northern, C. Luzon since Dec. 1

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 13, 2022): 130 rebels, supporters yield in Northern, C. Luzon since Dec. 1 (By Zorayda Tecson)

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. Members of communist terrorist groups pledge allegiance to the government after their surrender to the Joint Task Force Kaugnay’s 81st Infantry Battalion at the covered court of Barangay Alfonso in Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur on Tuesday (Jan. 11, 2022). The Northern Luzon Command said a total of 130 communist terrorist group members and their supporters have returned to the fold of the law since Dec. 31, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Northern Luzon Command)

A total of 130 communist terrorist group members and supporters in Northern and Central Luzon have returned to the fold of the law since Dec. 1, 2021.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, acting commander of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) and concurrent commander of Joint Task Force Kaugnay, said on Thursday the surrenderers include 15 regular New People's Army (NPA) rebels, 12 Militia ng Bayan, one arrested personality, and 102 members of different NPA-affiliated mass organizations in the two Luzon areas.

In addition, Costelo said a total of 17 firearms and three improvised explosive devices were recovered since December last year.

“As our soldiers on the ground deliver successive blows to the communist terrorist groups in the region, it is only indicative of their already dwindling forces as more of their members realize the manipulative ploys of their leaders, and yield to the government,” he said in a statement.

Costelo expressed optimism that the communist insurgency is already on the brink of extinction, and continues to encourage remaining communist terrorists to lay down their arms and yield to the government.

“The growing number of surrenders manifests the exasperation of the members and supporters of the communist terrorist groups of fighting for a false ideology that only threatens their safety as well as that of their families,” he said.

Costelo attributed the accomplishments of the command to its ground units and partner stakeholders for their unrelenting support to their campaign of ending local communist armed conflict, as well as its humanitarian mission to assist the victims of Typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao.

“Rest assured that your soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines will ensure that the people of Northern and Central Luzon will thrive in peace, and attain lasting prosperity,” he added.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

In July last year, the NDF has also been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1165357