SURRENDER RITES. Thirty-five former New People's Army rebels are presented to the media at the 60th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Asuncion, Davao del Norte on Monday (Sept. 23, 2024). The surrenderers, who also gave up 20 firearms, are from Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Agusan Sur. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
ASUNCION, Davao del Norte – Thirty-five former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) turned themselves in between March and September this year, according to the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) on Monday.
During the media presentation at the 60th Infantry Battalion headquarters here, the surrenderers also handed over 20 firearms from various NPA units operating in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Agusan del Sur.
Col. Jorry Baclor, Unified Command Staff chief, commended the former rebels for choosing peace.
“I urge you to encourage your former comrades to follow your lead and return to the fold of the law. This will significantly contribute to ending insurgency in Eastern Mindanao,” Baclor said.
Under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the ex-rebels will receive socio-economic assistance and financial aid.
Most of the surrenderers were farmers or laborers, many of whom did not have the opportunity to complete basic education.
“Daisy,” a former medical officer of the NPA’s 2nd and 5th Pulang Bagani Command, was full of regrets. She hopes for a peaceful life with her family.
“I’m thankful to the government for giving us a second chance. I won’t return to the communist group,” she said.
The Davao del Norte Davao de Oro provincial governments also pledged to support the former rebels with livelihood opportunities, financial assistance and scholarships. (PNA)
