More surrenders seen as 2010 nears
The Philippine Army is optimistic that the government's peace and
development initiatives will result to an upsurge of New People's Army
rebels surrendering to the folds of law and embracing a life of peace.
Four rebels surrendered in three different Army units in the past days,
all more proving to the efficiency of the intensified operations against
rebel activities in the local areas.
In Davao del Sur, a certain Feddie Diagone surrendered to the elements
of the 39th Infantry Battalion at Brgy Asbang, Matanao. Along with his
surrender, he handed over his weapons - a 12 Gauge Armscor Shotgun with
three live ammunition. In Sultan Kudarat, meanwhile, a certain Romeo
Diamana Manib and Amir Mantor Lazaro surrendered to the members of the
72nd Infantry Battalion. And in Catanduanes, Jerome Pumanglao
surrendered to the elements of the 83rd Infantry Battalion. All rebel
returnees are still on custodial debriefing.
Just like this recent surrenders, more and more rebels are returning to
the folds of law to give up their lives of senseless fighting against
the government. Also, they have learned how they were tricked into
joining the groups, just as Pumanglao never benefited from SUMAPIL (Suporta
sa Pamilya) the rebel organization promised. The Philippine Army, in
return, shall provide for these rebel returnees with the use of the
Social Integration Program.
In the last two months alone, the Philippine Army has recorded a total
of 173 NPA surrenderees. Likewise, according to the Office of the
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), a year after the
Social Integration Program (SIP) was launched, a total of 548 NPA rebels
have voluntarily surrendered to avail of the SIP. Out of this 548 who
surrendered, 330 of them yielded their firearms. In addition, the papers
of another batch of 261 former communist rebels, who have recently
surrendered to avail of the SIP, are currently being processed.
As agents of peace, the Philippine Army shall continue to conduct
peaceful and developmental endeavors all over the country for a brighter
tomorrow for everyone - even for the rebel returnees. The Army shall
remain focused on its mission to increase the number of surrenderees in
the coming months.
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