8 militia men surrender

AS PEACE talks between the New People’s Army and the government were frozen, alleged rebels in Abra province surrendered, according to the Police Regional Office in the Cordillera.

Authorities said the alleged rebels voluntarily surrendered to the joint personnel of Tubo Municipal Police, Provincial Intelligence Branch of Abra Provincial Police Office and members of the 24th IB, PA last week and are believed to be members of the Sangay Organization under the Militia ng Bayan.

PRO - COR regional director Chief Supt. Elmo Francis Sarona meanwhile encouraged all remaining members and supporters of the New People’s Army to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream of society while he extend his

gratitude to the people of Malibcong for the unwavering support they are extending to police operating in the province of Abra.

“This is a time for NPAs to embrace the path to peace so that progress and development will be felt from the countryside up to the far flung communities,” Sarona added.

According to the rebels, they decided to voluntarily surrender to the government to live peacefully and to concentrate in their daily works and added they will support the plans and programs of the government.

Authorities meanwhile believed ranks of the CPP/NPA/NDF continuously diminish following the surrender of the eight including a certain Rafael Amorsolo Bautista on July 11, 2017.

Sarona said the return of the NPA members to the government is attributed to the massive information campaign and tactical operations conducted by the operating elements of PROCOR and AFP.

Benefits will be given to the returnees under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government and incentives for the firearms that will be returned. Roderick Osis