14 rebels surrender in Agusan Sur

DAVAO CITY – Following the government’s declaration classifying the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorists, several insurgents yielded and surrendered to the military in Agusan del Sur yesterday.

Officials said 14 NPA rebels yielded and surrendered their firearms before the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion in Talacogon town.

The military said the NPA suffered setbacks in the recent encounters with government forces and the successful implementation of the Community Support Program (CSP) that forced some rebels to surrender.

A certain “Jim,” among the 14 rebels who surrendered, said most of them became confused by the military’s offensives that left scores of their comrades dead and wounded.

Jim said most of them were looking forward to leading peaceful lives.

“We are hopeful that more of them (NPAs) will realize the futility of their distorted ideology… 26IB is committed to prevent the NPA terrorists’ criminal activities against our people and the communities,” unit commander Lt. Col. Rommel Pagayon said.

Col. Andres Centino, commander of the Army’s 401st Brigade, said the government will allow the rebels to live peacefully and offer economic packages for livelihood.

“Options are open to them to live normal lives, to be part of a peaceful community. Be among us,” Centino said.

President Duterte on Tuesday signed a proclamation classifying the CPP-NPA as terrorist groups following the cancellation of the peace talks.

The President’s order also allows the government to go after groups or individuals supporting the CPP-NPA.

A ranking police official said the presidential order includes local officials who are tagged as protectors and financiers of the insurgents.

Calabarzon police director Chief Supt. Mao Aplasca said the order applies to local elected officials, businessmen, stakeholders and mining groups wittingly or unwittingly supporting the NPA.