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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Another NPA rebel yields in Negros Occidental

Another NPA rebel yields in Negros Occidental

Published Jul 24, 2024 05:17 am

BACOLOD CITY – Another New People’s Army rebel surrendered to the military in Negros Occidental on Monday, July 22, less than 24 hours after three comrades turned themselves in on Sunday, July 21.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/22/3-npa-rebels-surrender-in-negros-occidental

Capt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the Army 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), said that the fourth surrenderer was an active fighter and one of the remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF)-D of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS).

NPA SURRENDERERS.jpeg

LT. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of the Army 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), welcomes surrenderers from the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF)-D  in Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of 79th IB) 

Samoza said that they are having difficulty verifying their identities because they usually go by aliases and they don’t have birth certificates. “That’s why this is sensitive and we are careful,” he added.

He said that the first three rebel returnees had previous cases in relation to series of clashes but they have to check the specific offenses that they have committed to enable them to avail of the government’s amnesty program. The amnesty may only be granted to former NPA rebels with offenses in pursuit of political beliefs.

Samoza said that they were allegedly involved in a series of clashes in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental last February.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79th IB commander, thanked the surrenderers for their decision to embrace peace. 

“As we welcome our brothers back into the fold of law and society, let us continue our efforts to further entice and convince the remaining remnants of NNF-D to join us in our effort to have lasting peace and help them to have a renewed purpose as a productive member of the society with the support of their loved ones,” Calaoagan said.

A total of 26 NPA rebels have surrendered to various units of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) since January. Twenty were from Panay Island and six were from Negros Island.

According to the 3rd ID, 21 former communist rebels received E-CLIP assistance while aid for the remaining rebel returnees are being processed.

Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, in a statement, lauded the collaboration of the 79th IB and police counterparts in their surrender.

Sison reiterated his call to remaining NPA to return to the fold of the law and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs. 

“Don’t miss your chance. Today might be your last. Reach out to the nearest Army, police, or local government unit (LGU), and signify your intention to surrender. This is your chance for a better life,” he said.

Related Tags

Negros Occidental New People's Army Surrenderer
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