ILOILO CITY — Over the weekend, 26 rebels left the New People’s Army (NPA) in Iloilo province and signified their willingness to re-enter society.
“Your army in Panay Island will be your partner as you return to the folds of the law and start a new chapter of your lives together with your family. We are glad that you finally follow the right path and that is to embrace the culture of peace,” said Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade (301 IB).
The former NPA rebels surrendered to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Jason Estrada, chief of the 12th Infantry Battalion and Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, director of Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
Of the 26 members of NPA Militias, six were from the municipality of Calinog; seven from the municipality of Lambunao, and 13 from the municipality of Janiuay.
Aside from surrendering, the NPA rebels also turned over 30 firearms to authorities.
Sison said the mass surrender is a strong manifestation that these former rebels are no longer deceived by communist ideologies.