BACOLOD CITY – The Army 79th Infantry Battalion has facilitated the application for amnesty of nine former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including four with key positions in northern Negros Occidental on Wednesday, September 25.
NINE former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in northern Negros Occidental apply for amnesty at the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, September 25. (Photo courtesy of 79th IB)
Capt. Dan Carlo Samoza, 79th IB civil-military operations officer, said they were from Escalante City and the towns of Toboso and Calatrava.
These rebel returnees have standing arrest warrants for murder and robbery, among other offenses, in relation to their previous affiliation with the NPA, he added.
Application for the amnesty program started last March and ends March 2026.
Samoza said that the former rebels will be able to reintegrate to society with the program.
Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79th IB commander, recognized the courage of former rebels in choosing peace over conflict.
He emphasized the importance of the program initiatives in fostering peace and reconciliation.
Prosecutor Cyril Joy Gerona of the Sagay City Prosecutor's Office administered the oath of the nine former
rebels at the 79th IB headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
Samoza said they were among those who surrendered to the military since January this year.
He said that more than 100 former rebels in northern Negros have applied for the program.