SURRENDER. A former rebel hands over a firearm to Northern Samar police provincial director Col. Arnel Apud and other key police officials on Thursday (Oct. 8, 2020). The intensified operations of the Philippine National Police have led to the surrender of two New People’s Army rebels in Northern Samar this month. (Photo courtesy of PNP)
TACLOBAN CITY – The intensified operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) led to the surrender of a New People’s Army (NPA) fighter in Northern Samar on Thursday.
Ka Rey, 28, yielded to the PNP-Northern Samar following the government operatives’ internal security operations. He is a member of the NPA’s sub-regional committee emporium based in the province.
The former fighter turned over one .45-caliber pistol with seven rounds of live ammunition to the authorities.
Ka Rey admitted that he surrendered due to difficulties in fighting up in the mountains and after learning that his former comrades, who have already surrendered, are now living in peace with their respective families.
In a statement on Friday, PNP Regional Director Brig. Gen. Ronaldo de Jesus lauded the efforts of policemen to combat insurgency and urge rebels to surrender.
"My directive to promote sustainable and lasting peace and safeguard the public interest in the region remains the same. I will see to it that more reports of this similar feat shall be recorded while I take command," de Jesus said.
Ka Rey is the second rebel to surrender to the PNP this month.
On Oct. 2, Ka Redy yielded to the PNP regional mobile force battalion in Capoocan, Leyte. He also turned over a .30-caliber M1 Garand Rifle and 12 live ammunition.
The PNP regional office here has vowed to work for the surrender of more NPA members in the Eastern Visayas region.
De Jesus said the police force will strengthen its coordination with other members of the regional task force to end the local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) to convince more NPA rebels to lay down their arms.
Authorities are now processing the application of the two former rebels who availed of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.
E-CLIP gives former rebels a holistic package of benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing, and even legal assistance. (PNA)
