TACLOBAN CITY– A former senior member of the New People’s Army (NPA) has urged the remaining rebels in Calbiga, Samar to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life after the town was declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC).
The appeal was made by alias “Lyn,” a former secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, who surrendered to government forces in 2024 after spending 24 years in the underground movement.
Her statement came after Calbiga was formally placed under SIPSC status through a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Bayan and endorsed by the municipal peace and order council, a development authorities described as a key milestone in the town’s peace process.
Lyn said she joined the NPA as a young student after being promised access to education, but said these promises were never fulfilled, preventing her from completing her studies.
“It is a waste that I was not able to achieve my dreams,” she said, reflecting on her years in the armed movement.
She appealed to the remaining armed members—whom she estimated to be only a few individuals still originating from Calbiga—to surrender, noting that most are no longer operating within the municipality but have moved to other areas in Eastern Samar.
“What you are doing is against the law. There will be no real peace to be achieved, only more hardship and confusion,” she said, stressing that continued armed struggle only brings suffering.
Lyn also cited visible development in Calbiga, including infrastructure projects that have improved connectivity among remote villages and enhanced access to government services.
Calbiga Mayor Red Nacario said sustaining peace remains a priority, particularly in upland areas where 21 of the town’s 41 barangays are located. He emphasized that education is crucial in preventing the youth from being recruited into armed groups, noting the need for more secondary schools in remote communities.
“This is very important so that we can protect the youth, especially those in the uplands,” Nacario said, adding that the local government is also expanding livelihood and housing assistance for former rebels under programs such as the Saad nga Balay (House of Hope) initiative.
The military said Calbiga’s SIPSC declaration on April 23 marks a historic milestone, as the town was the site of the NPA’s first recorded tactical offensive in 1974.
Authorities said the declaration reflects continued progress toward stability, but stressed that sustained government services and community support remain essential to prevent any resurgence of insurgent influence.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
