CATBALOGAN CITY – Gov. Sharee Ann Tan has welcomed the surrender of 13 communist rebels in Samar to the 8th Infantry Division on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
"We have reaped what we have sown. Our anti-insurgency campaign together with our End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) programs has proven to be fruitful," Tan said.
"Today, we welcome another batch of former rebels who have returned to the fold of the law. They are the witnesses of how the whole-of-nation approach has been effective and how the government is sincere with its efforts to reintegrate them to the community and liberate them from the false promises of the Communist Terrorist Groups," she added.
The surrenderers composed of a political guide, squad leader, vice squad leader, and squad members yielded firearms – 10 M16 rifles, two caliber .45 pistols, and one Glock 17 handgun.
Philippine Army 801st Brigade commander Col. Lenart Lelina said the guerrillas from the New People’s Army Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) sub-regional committee Bugsok Platoon operated in the towns of Pinabacdao, Calbiga, and Basey.
They disclosed the location of banned anti-personnel mines, medical paraphernalia, and ammunition.
Tan said the provincial government has processed their documents and held initial interviews to medical and dental check-ups and other needed social services.
"This is how we welcome our former rebels, we take care of them and attend to their needs. We are committed to providing our peace-builders a better living environment," she said.
Tan said they saw a sharp decline in the number of NPA members and are looking forward to seeing the province insurgency-free.
"By then, our problem with peace and order will no longer hinder our progress. And we hope to achieve our aspiration in the near future."