BUTUAN CITY – Fourteen New People’s Army rebels surrendered to the military in Maramag, Bukidnon on New Year’s Day and vowed to help the government ‘s peace and development programs.
FOURTEEN New People's Army rebels surrendered in Bukidnon on Jan. 1.
“They wanted to embrace their respective families in a new beginning and a peaceful life,” said Police Regional Office 10-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Joann G. Navarro.
Their surrender was facilitated by the Bukidnon 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, 48th Infantry Battalion, Quezon Municipal Police Station (MPS), Damulog MPS, and Kibawe MPS.
Navarro said their surrender highlights the collaborative effort and sustained commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fostering peace and ending insurgency in Northern Mindanao.
The rebel returnees turned over two grenades, one rifle grenade, two improvised 12-gauge shotguns, two magazines, and one 12G ammunition. These have been secured and documented by the 48th IB.
The surrenderers are under the custody of the 48th IB for custodial debriefing and further processing under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that aims to provide former communist rebels with reintegration support and opportunities for a peaceful return to society.
PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. de Guzman lauded their surrender and reiterated the importance of collective efforts in maintaining peace and security in the region.
“I commend these individuals for choosing to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law,” he said. “This achievement underscores the unwavering dedication of the AFP, PNP, and local government units in advancing peace and development in Northern Mindanao.”