(Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
TACLOBAN CITY – Four members of the New People’s Army have surrendered to government forces in Samar Island, citing appeals from their families and hardships they experienced while in the underground movement, the Army’s 8th Infantry Division said Thursday.
The four, identified by the aliases Junjun, Yana, Tanggol and Digma, were members of the subregional committee Arctic under the NPA’s Eastern Visayas regional party committee.
They surrendered on Sept. 13 following joint military operations in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, and the Northern Samar towns of Palapag and Catubig.
According to the 8ID, the four cited hunger, constant movement, uncertainty and prolonged separation from their families as among the difficulties they faced while with the armed group.
Their families had also reached out through the government’s Local Peace Engagement family approach, encouraging them to return to their communities.
The surrender led to the recovery of two firearms caches. On Sept. 16, troops recovered three M16 rifles and one M14 rifle from the first cache. A second cache yielded another M16 rifle and one M14 rifle, bringing the total to six firearms.
The military said former rebels may avail themselves of assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and other reintegration initiatives, including livelihood support.
The 8ID also urged other members of the armed movement to consider surrendering and returning to civilian life.
