Ex-NPA militiaman surrenders in Hinigaran

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A former militiaman of the New People’s Army voluntarily surrendered to the 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company at its headquarters in Barangay Gargato, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, on Saturday.

The rebel returnee was formerly part of the dismantled Central Negros 2, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, according to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region.

As part of the government’s reintegration and support initiatives, the rebel returnee was provided with a sack of rice and financial assistance from the regional police office before being released to the custody of his immediate family.

PRO-NIR considered the surrender another milestone in its sustained counterinsurgency campaign, following the surrender of a former rebel in Barangay Panciao, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental, on May 18.

The regional office continued to encourage remaining NPA members and supporters to abandon armed struggle, reject extremist ideology and return to the fold of the law.

PRO-NIR assured them that the government remains ready to assist them in rebuilding their lives through peaceful and lawful means.

The regional police office emphasized that livelihood assistance, social support and community-based development programs are available to help former rebels and their supporters transition back into society.

This development followed recent clashes in Toboso and Cauayan towns in Negros Occidental that left a total of 24 suspected rebels dead.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has operated in parts of Negros Island for decades, while government agencies continue to pursue surrender and reintegration programs for former rebels.