7 NPA rebels, 44 supporters surrender to Army in Masbate

LEGAZPI CITY — Seven New People’s Army rebels and 44 of their supporters, surrendered to military authorities in Milagros town, Masbate on Monday, according to Col. Ferozaldo Paul Regencia, spokesperson of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division.

They were formally presented to Maj. Gen. Jesus Manangquil Jr., 9th ID commander, in a ceremony held at the 2nd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Bacolod in Milagros, Masbate, Regencia said.

The NPA rebels, 24 mass base supporters and 20 members of the Militia ng Bayan (People’s Militia) formally returned to the fold of the law and surrendered two M16 rifles, an M1 Garand rifle, three .38-caliber revolvers and a .45-caliber pistol.

According to Manangquil, the surrenderers will be listed in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program and will be given financial and livelihood assistance. /atm