1,531 rebels, allies surrender

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade said on Thursday that 1,531 individuals have withdrawn support from the New People’s Army (NPA).

Brigadier General Marion Sison, 301st IB commander, said they were composed of 44 regular NPA members; 159 Militia ng Bayan (MB); 143 members of Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL); and 1,185 Underground Mass Organization (UGMO).

The “surrenderers” also yielded 120 high-powered and low-powered firearms.

Sison said the accomplishment is “an example of strong cooperation” by different stakeholders, especially the members of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) and the different units under the 301st Bde – the 12th Infantry Battalion, the 61st Infantry Battalion, and the 82nd Infantry Battalion.

Sison also assured the surrenderers that returning to mainstream society was the best decision they did for themselves, their family, and their community.