595 rebels in North, Central Luzon surrender

(PIA 3)

TARLAC CITY -- About 595 rebels in regions 1,2,3 and Cordillera surrendered to government forces from January to August 2021.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Commander Lt.Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. disclosed that the returnees also yielded a total of 235 firearms.

Moreover, NOLCOM noted that seven members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters returned to the folds of the law and yielded eight firearms in the first five days of September alone.

“The end of NPA’s reign of terror in Northern and Central Luzon is in sight. It’s only a matter of time that they will be totally eradicated in this part of the country,” Burgos emphasized.

Apart from its sustained internal security operations and community support program, NOLCOM recognized the growing support of the community to the government’s fight against the rebels as a contributing factor in the continuous influx of surrenders particularly with the implementation of several community development projects under the

Barangay Development Program of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“The growing support of the community to the government’s fight against the communist terrorist is a big factor that significantly contributed to our effort in ending the local communist armed conflict in Northern and Central Luzon. They helped us send our message of hope while encouraging their families, friends, and loved ones who have been deceived by the terrorist group to lay down their arms and abandon their armed struggle,” he added.

Burgos renewed his call to the remnants of the NPA and their supporters.

“The government has heard your pleas and has implemented several programs to address your concerns. Now is the time for you to heed the call of the government. Lay down your arms and abandon your armed struggle. Think of your families, think of their future. Christmas is fast approaching, they will be happier and more fulfilled this season of joy with you at their side,” he appealed.