Six members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered and turned over their firearms to military in Mulanay, Quezon, authorities reported on Saturday.
1st Infantry Battalion (IB) recovered one M16 rifle with magazine and live ammunitions owned by a certain Jordan Mopon alias Atoy .
A tip from a former comrade was given to soldiers that war materials and firearms were buried.
According to Brig. General Alex Rillera, Commander of 202nd Brigade, Mopon, was a known NPA leader who is also the mastermind of various atrocities particularly the burning of heavy equipment’s owned by Northern Builders in Infanta ,Quezon last year.
“Our soldiers’ mastery of terrain, the real-time information, and cooperation from the civilians as well as former rebels played a significant role in the series of tactical victories in my area,” Rillera stressed.
Meanwhile, another six rebels turned over one carbine rifle, one Cal. 38, bandolier, five magazines, and ammunition to personnel of 85th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Cambuga, Mulanay, Quezon, last October 1, 2020.
Brig. General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Brigade said “As per testimony of the former rebels, all of them are active members and allies of the NPA, thus, we are expecting them to share valuable information that will help us deal with the few remaining terrorist that will push them toward their eventual defeat in this part of the country”.
Maj. General Greg Almerol, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division commended the soldiers for their continuous and unwavering support and cooperation of the communities, and the military’s concern for the wellbeing of the former rebels, this terrorist group will soon be defeated and their ideologies eradicated.
He also encourage some rebels that “I am calling for unity in ending this battle against terrorism amidst the horrors our nation is currently facing. Together, we can help build a better country without turning to armed struggle.”
Almerol ordered his soldiers to provide necessary assistance to the former rebels while they undergo the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP enrollment process that entails DSWD assessment, profiling, and counseling together with health experts in preparation for their reintegration to the mainstream society.
As of January this year, a total number of 135 firearms recovered from NPA terrorists.
Since the implementation of E-CLIP in 2016, the 2nd Infantry Division has facilitated a total of 685 former rebels and 118 firearms as a result of continued localized peace negotiations across Southern Tagalog.