BACOLOD CITY – Seven New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to authorities in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday, December 27.
They surrendered a day after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA celebrated their 55th anniversary on December 26.
Lt. Col. William Pesase Jr., commander of the Army 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB), presented these surrenderers – six men and an amazon – to the Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (GCTF-ELCAC) during a program in Barangay Poblacion.
GOVERNMENT forces and officials release doves for peace and unity after seven former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered in Barangay Poblacion, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday, December 27. (Photo courtesy of 62nd IB)
They turned over a .38 caliber revolver, a .357 caliber revolver, and an improvised revolver.
They took their oath of allegiance to the government and renounced support to the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) through the “Panunumpa sa Kalinaw” officiated by Mayor Filomeno Reyes, chairperson of GCTF-ELCAC.
It was followed by a symbolic candle lighting, prayer offering, and releasing of white doves to demonstrate the people of Guihulngan’s hope for peace and unity, the Army said.
A ceremonial burning of CPP-NPA flags was also held to symbolize the surrenderers’ withdrawal of support to the rebel group.
Each of them received food packs from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and fertilizers from the Office of the City Agriculturist.
They will also receive other benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) upon completion of their requirements.
Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), welcomed the communist rebels' decision to surrender. “What we have now is really a gain for peace and prosperity here in the area of Guihulngan,” Edralin said.
Reyes vowed to fight terrorism. “I already see how Guihulngan City changed, with the dismantling of the NPA here in Central Negros as mentioned by 62nd IB, which shows a better environment for the people and business free from threat of the NPAs.”