FIVE MEMBERS of the New People's Army (NPA) in Samar have abandoned the armed struggle against the government to start a new life this new year.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the former rebels as alias Bening, 26; Bebot, 45; Jinky, 29; Narcing, 58; and Nora, 59, who surrendered on January 10 and were formally presented to officials of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 (Eastern Visayas) in Palo, Leyte on Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. Ronaldo de Jesus, PRO-8 director, said the provincial police office, including its intelligence unit and two mobile force companies, facilitated the surrender of the former rebels.
"The return of these rebels to the fold of the law is a promising development for this year. As they pledge loyalty to the government, the police force in the region also guarantees to give necessary assistance so they could start living in genuine peace again," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
The surrenderers handed over a caliber .45 Colt pistol with a magazine containing three live ammunition, an M1 Garand rifle with a magazine loaded with eight ammunition plus eight extra ammunition, and a Carbine rifle with a magazine containing 12 live ammunition.
Meanwhile, authorities are processing the application of the former rebels, so they could avail themselves of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.
The E-CLIP gives former rebels a holistic package of benefits, such as livelihood, medical, education, housing, and even legal assistance.
The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (Gerico Sabalza)
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