5 communist rebels surrender
ILOILO CITY/BONTOC, Mountain Province – Five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered in Tubungan, Iloilo and Bontoc, Mountain Province last week.
Three communist guerrillas yielded in Tubungan. The Army 3rd Infantry Division identified them as alias Honda, Ateng, and Pielte.
They belonged to the Southern Front Committee and surrendered in Camp Monteclaro, the headquarters of the 61st Infantry Battalion in Miagao, Iloilo town last April 13.
Their surrender was witnessed by Brig. Gen. Michael Samson, commanding general of the 301st Infantry Brigade, 61st Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Arturo Balgos Jr., and Mayor Roquito Tacsagon of Tubungan.
Their surrender was made possible by the Local Peace Engagement (LPE) Team of the 61st Infantry Battalion and Tubungan LGU.
A series of clashes between government soldiers and the NPA in the area led to their surrender as they feared that they might become one of the casualties.
The 3rd Infantry Division hierarchy lauded the efforts of soldiers and Tubungan LGU in facilitating the surrender of three NPA rebels.
“To those still entangled in the deceptive web, know that opportunities for reconciliation exist. We stand ready to assist in your journey to a new and peaceful life through programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). It’s never too late to embrace a life of peace and reunite with your families,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison.
Two NPA rebels surrendered to the police in Bontoc on April 12.
Cordillera police chief Police Brig. Gen. David Peredo Jr. said the surrenderers were aged 54 and 56 and members of the NPA in the Barrio under the
Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Marco of the Artus Talastas Command.
They surrendered a gun and bullets and were transported to the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office in Camp Montes in Barangay Poblacion here for documentation and custodial debriefing.
Peredo said this significant development underscores the effectiveness of information campaigns in dissuading individuals from supporting insurgencies.
He said this is also part of “Oplan: Binnaga” of the Mountain Province PPO that focuses on providing accurate information and fostering dialogue with communities to prevent recruitment and encourage the surrender of former rebels.