“The massive surrender of the NPA militias indicates two favorable results to our campaign; winning anti-insurgency drive and dwindling NPA armed movement,” said Major Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID).
The 70 NPA militia members formalized their surrender earlier this week in Camp Monteclaro, the headquarters of the PA 61st Infantry Battalion (61st IB) in Miag-ao.
NPA militia members are often regarded as the NPA’s eyes and ears in the communities or those who outright give logistical support to the communist rebels.
“This suggests that the government’s effort to end the local communist armed conflict is working and prospering,” added Vinoya.
Of the 70 NPA militia members, 27 are from Tubungan; 21 from San Joaquin; 16 from Miag-ao town, and six from Leon.
The 70 former NPA militia members are entitled to livelihood benefits and other forms of government assistance as they rejoin the folds of society.