BUTUAN CITY – Five New People’s Army (NPA) fighters have surrendered to the military in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.
CAMP Evangelista, headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division. (FB)
Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division Public Affairs Office (4th ID-PAO) chief Lt. Col. Francisco P. Garello Jr. said the surrenderers belong to the Sub-regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
“Tired of running in the mountains, hunger due to lack of logistical and food support, dwindling leadership, and longing to be with their respective families, especially the upcoming Christmas, are the main reasons they came down and back to the fold of the law,” Garello added.
The rebel returnees who yielded guns and ammunition turned themselves in to 29th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Mark Tabon and 30th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Albert Batinga in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.
“I encourage all remaining active CTG members to seize this opportunity to surrender in order to be with your families, and benefit from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), a government livelihood and cash assistance, in relation to the Marcos administration’s peace and development program,” Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commanding general of the Army 901st Infantry Brigade, said.