Nineteen suspected members of the New People’s Army in central Negros surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion at its headquarters in Brgy. Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental, on Saturday, July 2.
The former NPA members took their oath of allegiance to the government to officially cut their ties with the rebel group, the Army said.
They also burned the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) flag.
The 19 rebel surrenderers, whose identities were withheld for their safety, will undergo assessment and debriefing to avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program assistance.
They were fed up with the false promises of the NPA and decided to leave the armed struggle because of an internal conflict, lack of medical support, and leadership problems, the surrenderers said.
Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Brigade commander, said “the cooperation of the people has been a great factor in enlightening many of our brothers to choosing the right path towards peace. We are hoping that more will surrender in the interest of reconciliation for the peace and development of these NPA members.”*