In Northern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY– Four alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to Army authorities in Northern Samar which resulted also in the recovery of several firearms.
Based on the statement issued by the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar, the four rebels decided to return to the folds of the law due to the ‘peace engagements’ made by the Army with the help of the local governments convincing them to give up their armed struggle.
The same statement disclosed that three former rebels surrendered to the 20th Infantry Battalion while the other one chose to give up to the 43rd IB on Monday (August 14).
The rebels, identified as alias Doming, 27; alias Pampam, 21; alias Gwen, 25, all belonging to the platoon 2 of front committee 15, sub-regional committee Artic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) surrendered to the 20th IB which is based in Las Navas town.
The other one, alias RC and finance officer of the sub-regional unit, SRC Emporium of the EVRPC to the 43rd IB which is based in San Isidro town.
RC also led the soldiers where they buried their firearms consisting of anti-personnel mine, one M16 rifle, one improvised Caliber 22, and several magazines.
Major General Camilo Ligayo, the commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, commended the former rebels who return to the folds of the law as he urged those still active in the underground movement to lay down their arms and join the mainstream.
“We will ensure your safety and well-being when you lay down your arms and live peacefully with your families. We assure you (that) we will work together with other stakeholders to provide the necessary assistance as you reintegrate back into the community,” he said in a statement.
(ROBERT DEJON/JOEY A. GABIETA)
