TACLOBAN CITY – Nine members of the New People's Army surrendered to the 19th Infantry Battalion based in Catubig, Northern Samar recently.
These communist rebels from the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee Emporium said they decided to surrender due to severe hunger and loss of community support.
They turned over an R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, two improvised M14 rifles, a carbine rifle, an anti-personnel mine, and two bandoliers.
Lt. Col. Marvin Maraggun, commander of the 19th IB, said their surrender highlights the dedication of security forces and local government units in ensuring peace and prosperity in Northern Samar. “We welcome them with open arms and stand ready to support their reintegration into society,” Maraggun said.
Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, said that the government is ready to help NPA rebels who want to live a peaceful life.
He added that their goal is to reintegrate them into the community and show what the government has to offer — a better life and a peaceful environment.
Orio commended the 19th IB for its dedicated efforts and successfully facilitating the reintegration of the rebels.
The 19th IB is coordinating with local government units to provide immediate cash assistance and other benefits to surrenderers.
They are also undergoing processing under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Debriefing, healing, and reconciliation sessions are being conducted to ensure their smooth reintegration into society.