NPA rebel surrenders to gov't troops in Camarines Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8, 2023): NPA rebel surrenders to gov't troops in Camarines Sur (By Connie Calipay)

NEW LIFE. A New People's Army member identified as "Percy" surrendered to police and military authorities in Camarines Sur province on March 6, 2023. He turned over a high-powered firearm and nine rounds of ammunition, saying he wanted to start a new life with his family. (Infographic from 9ID's Facebook page)

LEGAZPI CITY – A New People's Army (NPA) rebel has surrendered to government troops in Camarines Sur province early this week.

In a statement on Wednesday, the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) of the Philippine Army said the NPA rebel relayed that he wanted to leave their organization and start a new life because of the difficulties brought by the non-stop operations of the Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB).

The 9ID added that the communist terrorist group (CTG) member surrendered to the combined forces of the 83rd Infantry Battalion and Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office on Monday.

"The rebel identified as “Percy” voluntarily surrendered to the soldiers and police carrying an M79 caliber 40-millimeter and nine rounds of ammunition. He is one of the members of the CTG conducting operations in the towns of Garchitorena, Caramoan and Presentacion in the province of Camarines Sur," the statement read.

“Sa totoo lang po, matagal ko na pong gustong sumuko para po sa aking pamilya, kasi nag-aalala na din po ako sa kaligtasan ko, dahil alam ko pong pinaghahanap kami ng batas. Ako po mismo ang magpapatotoo na mali ang aming pinaglalaban at hindi solusyon ang armadong pakikibaka. Bagamat ako po ay nalinlang noon ng maling ideolohiya ng NPA, humihingi po ako ng tawad sa aking mga kababayan kasabay ng aking pangako na itutuwid ang aking mga pagkakamali (Honestly, I have long wanted to surrender for my family, because I was also worried about my safety, because I know that we are wanted under the law. I myself will testify that what we were fighting for is wrong and armed struggle is not the solution. Although the wrong ideology of the NPA deceived me, I ask my countrymen for forgiveness and promise to correct my mistakes)," Percy said.

Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao, commander of the 9ID and Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), is thankful for the trust given by "Percy" to the government which, he said, only shows the positive results of the tireless work of soldiers and police to achieve peace in the region.

"Ang pagbabalik-loob po ni Ka Percy sa ating otoridad ay pagpapakita lamang ng kanyang tiwala sa pamahalaan. Kaya sana yung mga kasamahan niya po na nanatili pa sa pakikibaka, sana ay sundan na rin ang kanyang ginawang desisyon. Hindi pa po huli ang lahat, maniwala kayo sa pangako ng ating Panginoon na kayo ay mabibigyan ng bagong buhay at pag-asa na may kapayapaan sa inyong mga puso’t isipan (Ka Percy's move to the go back to our authority is just a demonstration of his trust in the government. That's why we hope that his colleagues who remain in the armed struggle will follow his decision. It's not too late, believe in the promise of our Lord that you will be given a new life and hope with peace in your hearts and minds)," Bajao said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196905