25 NPA rebels surrender, 3 killed in Visayas in October

FILE PHOTO: The New People’s Army (NPA). INQUIRER FILES

CEBU CITY — At least 28 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were neutralized during eight government-initiated encounters in the Visayas last month.

Lieutenant General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Visayas Command (Viscom), said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA suffered devastating losses in October after the deaths of three rebels.

Of the 25 who surrendered, 19 were regular NPA combatants, while six were members of the Militia ng Bayan (People’s Militia).

At least 61 CPP-NPA supporters also denounced their support for the communist group and pledged allegiance to the government in the same month.

“Defeating the CPP-NPA in the Visayas region remains on top of our list amidst our mandate to support the Comelec (Commission on Elections) in ensuring the success of the recently concluded Barangay and SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Elections,” Arevalo said in a statement.

“Our efforts against the CPP-NPA will never falter, as we respond to the call of our people for just and lasting peace in the entire region,” he added.

Governent troops also seized 30 firearms and six anti-personnel mines in October.

Arevalo vowed to sustain the efforts to eliminate members of the communist group in the region as he appealed to the NPA rebels to surrender.

“As for the few remaining members of the CPP-NPA, Christmas is fast approaching, just imagine your families and loved ones and how happy they will be to celebrate the season with you. Choose the path of peace and return to the fold of the law now, while you still can,” he said.

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