GOVERNMENT security forces have facilitated on Tuesday, October 2, the mass surrender of suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and its underground organizations in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.
In a statement, the military claimed that said some 117 communist insurgents and NPA supporters returned to the folds of the law as they turned themselves in to the local authorities.
The military said among those who surrendered were 20 members of the NPA's Militia ng Bayan (MB) who yielded three high-powered and 15 low-powered firearms, and some 97 members of the Sanga sa Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) and underground mass organizations.
They laid down their arms in front of Cabanglasan town Mayor Renante Inocando, 403IB commander Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, Bukidnon provincial police director Senior Superintendent Benedicto Pintor, and 8th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana.
During the mass surrender ceremony said individuals pledge their oath of allegiance to the government and burned the flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as a “testament to their intent to reject and deny violence and terrorism by the said organization.”
Illana urged those who surrender and the community to sustain their allegiance to the government.
“We would like to encourage all of you to always be supportive of the government and its peace and development thrusts. Do not fear the CPP-NPA because your Philippine Army and your Philippines National Police, in collaboration with the local government unit, are here to assist you,” Illana said.
Vinoya has also assured that the former NPA fighters and supporters will avail the government's assistance through the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-Clip).
“You have made a good decision by rejecting violence and terrorism posed by the CPP-NPA. Now that you have embraced peace, rest assured that the government will assist you through the E-Clip,” Vinoya said.
“NPA regulars and MB members will receive cash and livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration and housing, health and employment assistance. This is to prove the sincerity of the government to end violence, promote peace, and help our former rebel brothers and sisters,” he added.
Mayor Inocando also led the delivery of basic services and consultation dialogues among the affected residents together with the local government agencies.