More NPA members surrendered in early 2019, AFP claims

MANILA, Philippines — More communist rebels have surrendered to the military in early 2019, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has claimed.

“In the first two months of 2019, there were already a total of 608 CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army) members and supporters who surrendered to government troops, 107 of them were regular armed members, 137 are Milisyang Bayan, and 364 are mass supporters,” AFP public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said in a statement.

He said the surrenderers are beneficiaries of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the reintegration program of the government.

Just last week, a total of 25 NPA members who used to operate in Negros Occidental turned themselves over to the 23rd Infantry Battalion. They also surrendered their firearms, which included rifles and pistols.

In the E-CLIP, the communist rebels returning to the government fold may avail of livelihood assistance, medical assistance, education, housing, and legal assistance.

“We hope to receive more rebels who want to return to the folds of the law rather than the casualties we record daily in the bloody battlefield.” Detoyato said. /je