TARLAC CITY (PIA) — About 205 rebels in Regions 1,2,3 and Cordillera surrendered to government forces during the 2nd quarter of 2021.
From the figure, 143 are regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) while 62 are members of the Milisyang Bayan.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command Commander Lt.Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. disclosed that the returnees also yielded a total of 109 firearms.
“Apart from these surrenders and recoveries, 558 party members from the different NPA affiliated mass organizations expressed their withdrawal support from the terrorist group,” the official added.
These are in addition to the 12 rebels who were neutralized in an encounter and joint law enforcement operations during the period.
Burgos emphasized that they are at the forefront in the campaign to end the local communist armed conflict in Northern and Central Luzon.
“Around two to three communist rebels surrendered to the government troops every day with a firearm being surrendered every day. This is a clear indication that it is just a matter of time that these communist terrorist groups will be totally defeated,” he said.
“We will ensure to usher our brothers and sisters to enter a new life of peace and progress through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). With these developments, I encourage the remnants of the communist rebels in Northern and Central Luzon to abandon their armed struggle, return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful and prosperous life with their families,” the official furthered.
“As we have evaluated our gains, we will continue to build up our momentum in decimating the few remaining members of the communist terrorist group. We will not stop until the entire Northern and Central Luzon is declared free of insurgency,” Burgos pledged.
The recent surrenderees are currently being assisted by government forces in processing their requirements to avail the government’s E-CLIP.