LUCENA CITY—Three alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in Quezon province surrendered Wednesday to the government.
Colonel Dennis Cana, Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command public information officer, reported Thursday that the Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion facilitated the surrender in Lopez town.
The rebel returnees, whose names the report withheld for security reasons, gave up a carbine and an M14 rifle.
At least 11 former NPA rebels operating in different parts of the Bicol region also surrendered on June 6 to the Area Police Command-Southern Luzon (APC-SL) based in this city.
The returnees turned over five high-powered rifles, 15 hand grenades, four rifle grenades, and improvised explosive devices.
New chapter
“Their return to the mainstream of the society and their loved ones is a new chapter in their life. And we assure them that the government will be with them in every step,” said Police Major General Rhoderick Armamento, APC-SL commander.
“Mr. President, please help us in our return to normal life. Once our former comrades who were left behind saw the positive changes after our surrender, more will come down and follow us,” said “Ka Lyka,” a 29-year-old Red fighter, in an interview.
Cana said 460 former NPA combatants—208 from Southern Tagalog and 252 from Bicol—surrendered from 2020 to April 22.
At least 2,875 former NPA militia, local Communist Party of the Philippines members, and supporters also surrendered during the same period in Southern Luzon.
The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which offers free medical treatment, education, housing, and legal aid to rebels who surrender, assisted the returnees.