BACOLOD CITY -- Twenty-four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Saturday, Nov. 12.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said that those who surrendered were Yunit Militia members, a medical officer, and squad leader, who were all members of Central Negros (CN) 2.
They were presented to Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), during his visit at the 94th IB headquarters in Ayungon town that day.
Eight short firearms, three rifle grenades, and a hand grenade were also turned over by the former rebels to Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th IB commander.
Almonte thanked the former rebels for trusting the military troops.
He assured them that the 94th IB will help them process their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits and other government programs including livelihood and half-way houses.
Arevalo said that it is a clear manifestation that the NPA’s morale is low and their ranks are crumbling down as most of their red fighters now choose to surrender to be reunited with their families.
“We are happy that you have returned to the government, because fighting in a worthless armed struggle without a slim chance of victory is nonsense,” said Arevalo, adding that the government is always open for those who want to surrender.
The 24 former rebels are now under the custody of the 94th IB headquarters for their safety.
On July 2, 2022, 19 NPA rebels also surrendered to the 94th IB and have already availed cash and educational assistance from the local governments of Kabankalan, Himamaylan, and the provincial government of Negros Occidental.