LEGAZPI CITY -- Seven New People's Army (NPA) rebels and 44 supporters of the communist movement operating in Masbate province have surrendered to military authorities in Milagros town in Masbate, a report from the Philippine Army 9th Infantry Division (9ID) said Wednesday.
The surrenderers were formally presented to Maj. Gen. Jesus Manangquil Jr., commanding general of the 9th ID in a ceremony at the 2nd Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Bacolod, Milagros, Masbate, according to Army Col. Ferozaldo Paul Regencia, 9ID spokesperson.
Regencia said the seven NPA rebels, 24 mass base supporters and 20 members of the Militia ng Bayan formally returned to the fold of the law on Monday.
At the ceremony, they surrendered two M16 rifles, a cal. 30 Garand rifle, three .38 cal revolvers and a .45 pistol.
Manangquil said the former communist rebels and mass base supporters were formally included in the government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program under which they would be given livelihood and shelter facilities after undergoing a process of reintegration. (PNA)
