TACLOBAN CITY — Nine former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to government authorities and turned over their firearms in Las Navas, Northern Samar, marking another boost to the government’s campaign to encourage insurgents to return to the folds of the law.
The former rebels were formally presented before the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), chaired by Las Navas Mayor John Philbert Tan, who assured them of the local government’s support as they begin their reintegration into mainstream society.
Tan said the municipal government would provide assistance, including financial aid and livelihood opportunities, to help the former rebels rebuild their lives as productive and law-abiding citizens.
Local officials said the surrenderers decided to abandon the armed movement after experiencing hardships while in the underground organization.
The surrender forms part of the government’s continuing peace and reintegration program, which encourages members of communist insurgent groups to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government assistance.
The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) credited the successful surrender to the sustained collaboration among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders under the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
According to the military, synchronized security operations, community engagement, and responsive government interventions have continued to persuade members of armed groups to reject violence and embrace peaceful reintegration.
“The 8th Infantry Division warmly welcomes our fellow Filipinos who have chosen to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law. Their decision reflects courage, hope, and a desire to build a better future for themselves and their families. We assure them that the government remains committed to supporting their reintegration through programs that promote healing, livelihood, and lasting peace,” the division said in a statement.
The military also called on remaining members of the communist insurgency to surrender, reunite with their families, and become partners in building peaceful and progressive communities across Eastern Visayas.
While security forces will continue pursuing armed groups that pose threats to public safety, the 8ID said the government remains committed to providing opportunities for those willing to renounce armed struggle and start a new life.
Military officials said the latest surrender underscores the government’s dual approach of combining security operations with peacebuilding and development programs to address insurgency and promote lasting peace in Northern Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
