A total of 111 communist rebels and supporters of the New People’s Army-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) operating in Mimaropa have surrendered to the police since January this year, with the regional police saying it is an indication of the successful measures to further improve the peace and order situation in the region.
Police Regional Office 4B director Brig. Gen. Joel B. Doria said eight of those who surrendered are included in the periodic status report (PSR) while the rest are members, supporters and militiamen.
"This is a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to end the local communist armed conflict through peaceful means," said Doria.
"The government's efforts to end the local communist armed conflict through peaceful means have shown positive results. With the support of the AFP and partner agencies, the government is optimistic that more rebels will surrender and join the country's journey towards lasting peace and security in the region." he added.
A total of 51 of those who surrendered in Mimaropa (Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) were convinced to go back to the mainstream since the assumption of Doria on March 21.
Among those who surrendered recently is "Ka Carlo," a former member of Milisyang Bayan (MB) of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Ignacio Calabria Magadia (ICM), SRMA 4D, ISLACOM, Lucio De Guzman Command, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC), who surrendered to the personnel of 1st Platoon, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company at 1st PMFC Headquarters in Brgy. San Isidro, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro on June 19.
The surrender of "Ka Carlo" was through the relentless efforts of the intelligence unit of Oriental Mindoro PPO, in collaboration with the 203rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, and other partner agencies under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
For his part, 203rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Randolph Cabangbang expressed his confidence in the government's efforts to end the local communist armed conflict.
"We welcome the surrender of the 111 members of the CPP-NPA, and we are extremely proud of the inter-collaborative efforts of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other partner agencies," said Cabangbang.
"This is a testament to the government's commitment to end the local armed conflict and its efforts toward lasting peace and development." he added.
The NTF-ELCAC is an essential component of the government's peace and development agenda, which aims to address the root causes of insurgency in the country through a whole-of-nation approach.