THIRTY-six former New People’s Army members who recently surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, were at the forefront as the Army officials presented them to the Provincial Government of Bukidnon in today’s ceremony at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City.
The 36 former NPA rebels from various guerilla fronts also surrendered today 54 high-powered firearms and one M-60 machine gun as they pledged allegiance to the government.
Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., 403rd brigade commander, thanked the 36 former NPA rebels who surrendered to government forces.
This surrender, he said, is a milestone towards achieving peace and stability in Northern Mindanao.
The military, police, local government units, and concerned citizens facilitated the surrender.
BGen. Anayron emphasized the importance of reintegrating the former rebels into society by providing them with necessary support services, such as livelihood assistance and skills training.
She also urged the remaining insurgents to follow suit and embrace peace.
Bgen Anayron emphasized that the surrender of these 36 former NPA rebels demonstrates the government’s commitment to ending insurgency and promoting lasting peace.
Arnel Arcaya, a former member of the NPA, shared his harrowing experiences within the rebel group and expressed immense gratitude for the government’s efforts to help him reintegrate into society.
Cong. Jonathan Keith Flores of the 2nd District, the military reported, has immensely helped the continuous surrender of former New People’s Army leaders, attributing the success to the implementation of the “whole-of-nation approach.”
As he thanked the surrendered former NPA leaders and combatants, Congressman Flores emphasized interagency cooperation as vital to the successful counter-insurgency campaign.
He noted that government agencies’ presence in the mountains, providing essential services to the marginalized, has encouraged many to return to the fold of society. PIA
