10 top Bicol NPA rebels surrender in Albay

Ten top New People’s Army rebels cover their faces as they surrender with their firearms and weapons to the military on Friday. Photo by Mark Alvic Esplana, Inquirer Southern Luzon

DARAGA, Albay–Top officials of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the Bicol region turned over their weapons when they surrendered to the 901st Infantry Brigade (IB) at the military camp in Villahermosa village in this town on Friday morning.

Brigadier General Alden Juan Masagca, 901st IB commanding officer, said the former rebels were operating in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte provinces.

“Most of the returnees were squad leaders, political guides, medics, and combatants,” he said.

The former rebels also turned over several M16 rifles, a 12 gauge shotgun, an M79 grenade launcher, war materials like improvised explosive device, documents, and commercial two-way radios and solar panels.

Major General Jesus Manangquil Jr., 9th Infantry Division commander, thanked the rebels for realizing that no future awaits them as long as they stay with the group.

“This ceremony is significant wherein they understand that fighting each other (Filipino against fellowmen) won’t bring progress in the country,” he said. He promised to help returnees bring their lives back to normal and live peacefully with their community.

He also appealed to other rebels to do the same.

Manangquil said the former rebels decided to surrender for fear of their lives after President Duterte made clear his seriousness in addressing the insurgency problem in the country.

They were also convinced with the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) that gives financial and livelihood assistance to former rebels who surrender.

Maria (not her real name) was one of the political guides of NPA members who surrendered Friday. She said she decided to surrender because she would like to be with her family and live as a normal citizen.# Michael B. Jaucian, @InquirerSLB, Inquirer Southern Luzon