ONE member of the communist New People's Army (NPA) has yielded to the government after experiencing extreme hunger and hardship in the armed group on Saturday, November 7, 2020.
According to Alyas Jun, a member of Igabon Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay, he decided to leave the communist armed movement because he can no longer endure the extreme hunger and hardship inside the armed group.
He also realized he was fighting for a meaningless armed struggle that only given fear and horror to his life.
He said his conscience has bothered him because of their terroristic activities against government forces and innocent civilians.
Alyas Jun has surrendered his US Carbine, caliber .30 M2, ammunition and magazines.
Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict G Batara, commanding Officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion, underscored that as they strengthen their campaign, they are "winning and gaining peace in our area of responsibility."
"We thank Alyas Jun for going back to the folds of the law and eventually decided to be our partner for peace and development," he said.
"We are still calling the remaining NPA members in the mountains to come down, live a normal life with your families and friends and be a productive member of the community," he added.
Alyas Jun will be granted benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).
Under E-Clip, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to receive livelihood grants, training and other assistance packages from various government agencies. It provides a complete package of assistance to former members of the NPA and Yunit Militias, as well as their family members who have surrendered to the government and became productive members of the society.