10 NPA rebels yield in Eastern Samar, say Army execs

INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

TACLOBAN CITY — At least 10 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Eastern Samar surrendered this month to authorities.

Three of the former NPA rebels surrendered on Oct. 21 to the 802nd Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army, while seven yielded on Oct. 17 through the newly formed program of the provincial government encouraging rebel members to return to the fold of the law.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd IB, also based in Borongan City, disclosed that the surrender was a result of the provincial government-initiated program under Governor Ben Evardone dubbed ‘Friends Rescued Engagement through Families’ or FReE Families.

The former rebels who surrendered before Lieutenant Colonel Allan Tria, the commanding officer of the 78th IB based in Borongan City, also gave up their firearms consisting of two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and one M653 carbine, and other ‘war materials.

The seven reformed rebels were identified by the military officials as key leaders of the ‘Apoy platoon’ of the sub-regional committee of the NPA operating in Eastern Samar.

Vestuir said that since the program was launched on Sept. 19, 15 rebels had surrendered.

“The FReE Families project gives you an opportunity to be reunited with your families at the comforts of your home especially now that Christmas is fast approaching,” Vestuir said.

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