TACLOBAN CITY — Four alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in Northern Samar which also resulted in the recovery of several firearms on Monday, Aug. 14.
Based on the statement issued by the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar, the four rebels decided to return to the fold of the law due to “peace engagements” made by the Army with the help of the local governments that convinced them to give up their armed struggle.
The rebels, identified as alias Doming, 27; alias Pampam, 21; and alias Gwen, 25, all belonging to platoon 2 of front committee 15, sub-regional committee Artic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), surrendered to the 20th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Las Navas town.
The fourth rebel, alias RC and finance officer of the sub-regional unit, SRC Emporium of the EVRPC, surrendered to the 43rd IB based in San Isidro town.
RC also led the soldiers to the location of buried firearms consisting of antipersonnel mines, 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 returned to the folds of the law and 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.
READ: 3 ex-NPA members yield to military in Samar province