19 NPA rebels surrender in Negros Oriental

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) recognized the bravery and courage of 19 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who abandoned their armed struggle and surrendered at the headquarters of the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Saturday, July 2.

This is a clear manifestation of the former rebels’ trust in the government, especially the Army in Negros, according to Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde).

He said that such move will greatly reduce the strength of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in Negros island.

The rebel returnees took their oath of allegiance to the government and publicly denounced the CTGs.

They also burned the flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF).

Pasaporte said the cooperation of the people has been a great factor in enlightening the former rebels to choose the right path towards peace.

With this development, Pasaporte is hoping that more will surrender in the interest of reconciliation for peace and development of the NPA members.

Pasaporte also commended the efforts of the 94th IB in its aggressive campaign in bringing back the NPA members to the folds of the law.

The rebel returnees are currently under the custody of the 94th IB, as they will undergo assessment and debriefing to officially avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.