4 rebels surrender in SurSur
By
Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG
CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 11 (PIA) - Four members of the Communist Party of
the Philippines-New People’s Army-Terrorist (CNT) have surrendered to
government forces, said an official from the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB).
Civil
Military Operations Officer Lt. Jonald Romorosa of the 36IB bared that one CNT
member from Platoon 8, Guerilla Front 19, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Party
Committee voluntarily surrendered without firearms to 36IB Commanding Officer
Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad on Jan. 1.
The
surrenderee was a resident of Barangay Libertad, Butuan City.
The
other three gave themselves up to the 36th IB Advance Command Post based in
Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel town last Wednesday, Jan. 9. The surrenderers
reportedly brought along with them the two homemade shotgun.
The
military did not disclose the identities of the returnees for security reasons,
adding that one of the returnees held a high position in the NPA.
LTC
Trinidad, quoting one of the surrenderers, said the former rebels could no
longer stomach the extortion activities that they were forced to do against
their fellow impoverished countrymen and the promises that were never fulfilled
by the organization.
“We
call on to the remaining CPP-NPA terrorist leaders to surrender and return to
the folds of the law. Lay down your arms and surrender, not just for your own
sake, but rather, for your own family and loved ones. Abandon your maligned
armed struggle and help the government bring development and long and lasting
peace in our community,” he said.
As
surrenderees, the four would be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local
Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the national government. Under the E-Clip, an
NPA surrenderee can immediately receive P15,000 cash assistance and P50,000
livelihood assistance.
They
can also avail of firearms remuneration and housing, livelihood, and legal
assistance among other forms of help from the government. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
