THIRTY-TWO New People’s Army rebels surrendered to the military and turned over 20 assorted firearms in Bukidnon and Masbate on Tuesday, it was reported yesterday.
Seventeen of the rebels from the Sub-Regional Command of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Command yielded to the 1st Special Forces Battalion in Bukidnon.
The 17, who turned in 11 firearms, surrendered due to relentless operations being conducted by the 1st SFB, according to battalion spokesman Capt. Bala Tamayo.
“The rebels have finally reached their breaking point. They are hungry, confused, and desperate,” said 403rd Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon.
1st SFB commander Lt. Col. Vercisio San Jose Jr. said NPA rebels who refuse to heed the government’s call to surrender will be hunted down, relentlessly and aggressively, by the battalion.
“We will hunt them down until the last CPP-NPA terrorist element is neutralized and prevented from waging violence against the innocent civilians and to the legitimate government,” Jose said.
In Masbate, 15 NPA rebels with nine firearms surrendered to the Army’s 903rd Brigade, according to Capt. John Paul Belleza, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division based in Camarines Sur.
Belleza said the rebels surrendered due to hardships, hunger and “abuses” inside the underground movement.
The 15 NPA rebels will be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program that which will pave the way for their reintegration to the mainstream society.
“Through our E-CLIP, we will ensure that you, our former rebels, will be provided with cash, livelihood, housing, medical and even educational assistance in order for you to start anew as you take the path of peace,” said 9th ID commander Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson.
