La Trinidad, Benguet – The intensified operations of the PNP PRO-Cordillera and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has resulted in the voluntary surrender of 100 active members and supporter of the New People’s Army (NPA) from January to September this year amid COVID 19 pandemic.
55 surrenderees are members of the Militia ng Bayan while the 45 others were CNT members. Most of them were supporters of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla (KLG) under the group of MARCO that operates in the provinces of Mt Province, the town of Alfonso Lista and Aguinaldo in Ifugao and KLG North Abra that operates in the municipalities of Boliney, Daguioman, Bucloc, Sallapadan, Malibcong, Lacub, Tineg and Baay-Licuan.
This year’s number of surrenderees is higher compared to the past 2 years, in 2018 only 69 surrendered and 72 in 2019.
The numbers of CNT surrenderees continue to increase after realizing that they have been fighting without cause but have only been causing agitation to their families and communities.
The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government and the massive information campaign and tactical operations conducted by the operating elements of PROCOR and AFP played a vital role in convincing these rebels to return to the fold of the law.
Many of the former rebels and supporters are now enjoying just and lasting peace in the community.
This successful accomplishment is remarkable because this greatly shows the continuous weakening of the CNT group through the loss of support from communities.
PROCOR Regional Director PBGen. R’Win Sta. Ana Pagkalinawan lauded the efforts of all operatives as well as the local government units (LGUs) in the region for the surrender of these CNTs and Militia ng Bayan members.
He also warmly welcomed the surrenderees assuring them of their wise choice and further appealed to the others who are still in the mountains to come down and legitimize their cause. (OIC Joe Manzano, photo courtesy of Atok Municipal Police Station)
