Surrenders prove NPA instability
With only eight months remaining before the 2010 deadline, the unceasing
intensified efforts of the Philippine Army in weakening the rebel forces
has been consistently delivering success with various rebels that turn
themselves over in various parts of the country, proving that the rebel
forces are suffering major setbacks against government troops.
Recent reports reaching the Philippine Army Headquarters revealed that
six more New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the respective
authorities in their provinces. In Cebu City , a certain Adrianito
Pipito voluntarily surrendered to elements of the 78th Infantry
Battalion in Balamban, Cebu . Pipito also turned over his Japanese cal
.30 rifle and is now currently undergoing a debriefing at the Battalion
Headquarters at Brgy. Nangka of the same municipality.
Moreso, in Negros Occidental, NPA rebels who identified themselves as
Jerry Paracio and Jermilin Planas surrendered to elements of the 61st
Infantry Battalion. They revealed that they decided to surrender due to
the lack of food, as they were staying in the mountains for a long
period of time.
In Iloilo , however, two separate surrenders of former rebels took
place. In Brgy. Mohon, Arevalo, a certain Jason Elgario surrendered to
the authorities due to strong guilt, as he admitted to be one of the 15
rebels who bombed a Philip Morris van in Brgy. Almeda, Igbaras last
July. In addition, the Calderon sisters, who had a P1.1M bounty between
them for the murder of the Canlaon City Mayor, surrendered to the 303rd
Infantry Battalion in Murcia .
The Calderon sisters related that they chose to abandon the rebel
movement for they were disillusioned with the ten years they have wasted
in the group with no progress at all. They also revealed that the rifts
among the leaderships of the NPA and their separation from their
families are also big factors in their decision of returning to the
government fold. Both are under the custodial debriefing of the
Philippine Army.
To ensure a better future for these former rebels, they are all
candidates for the Social Integration Program that will entitle them to
financial and livelihood assistances from the government. Now, as normal
citizens of the country, the government believes that they have the
right to start anew.
Needless to say, the eradication of the NPA rebel group is at hand with
their shrink in number, shortage in food and funds, and clashes between
leaders. However, the Philippine Army shall remain vigilant until the
2010 deadline is fulfilled and the rebel groups are completely
insignificant.#
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