ZAMBOANGA CITY — Sixteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to military authorities in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay over the weekend.
Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said Monday the surrenderers, consisted of 15 Militia ng Bayan and one regular member. They surrendered Saturday in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Gaerlan said the Militia ng Bayan is an NPA territorial force that operates in Siay town of the same province.
He said the surrenderers turned over a .45-caliber pistol and two shotguns with ammunition.
The surrender of the group was facilitated by Siay Mayor Jarvis Acosta and Lt. Col. Jonathan Obena, Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion commander, Gaerlan said.
In a ceremony, the former rebels pledged loyalty to the government by reciting an oath of allegiance.
“Their surrender will minimize the violent incident and atrocities in our area of responsibility and will weaken the NPA’s mass base support,” Gaerlan said.
“We will facilitate and collaborate with other stakeholders for their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the efforts of 102nd Infantry Brigade, 44th Infantry Battalion and other stakeholders involved in and facilitated the successful surrender of the NPA rebels.
“We encourage other NPAs to return to the folds of law and take advantage of the government’s E-CLIP,” Murillo said. (/PNA)
