LEAVING NPA. The seven fighters of the New People's Army (NPA) who surrendered to the military in this October 17 photo. At least 12 active armed rebels have surrendered to the military in Eastern Visayas since the launch of an initiative that links government forces to families of rebels. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
TACLOBAN CITY – At least 12 fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to the military in Eastern Visayas since the launch of an initiative that links government forces to families of rebels.
The latest who surrendered through the Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (FReE Families) project are John Carlo Belicario of General MacArthur town and Marco Estil of Borongan City, both in Eastern Samar.
Belicario and Estil were both members of Squad 3, Apoy platoon of the NPA-Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
Their surrender came on Oct. 25 or just four days after three rebels yielded to the Philippine Army on Oct. 21. These rebels turned over three 5.56mm M16 rifles and an AK47 rifle.
On Oct. 17, seven NPA fighters in Eastern Samar also decided to abandon the armed struggle and turned over four high-powered firearms.
They also revealed the location of an arms cache consisting of two M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, and an M653 carbine and other war materiel at the hinterlands of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
"With the surrender of these NPA regulars, we have once again proven that the love of family conquers the hate that the terrorists Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front sowed in the hearts of their recruits who joined the armed struggle," Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’ 802nd Infantry Brigade, said in a statement on Thursday.
The official attributed their surrender to the facilitation of their family members and former rebels in the area under the FReE Families initiative launched on October 4.
“They became credible allies having experienced the good treatment from the government, which opened their eyes to the reality that they were only deceived by the communist NPA’s propaganda, lies, and deceptions,” Vestuir said.
The FReE Families is a project of the Eastern Samar provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict, which aims to free the families of those personalities deceitfully recruited by the NPA.
They have been capacitated to negotiate for the peaceful surrender of their loved ones and family members with active support from third-party peace advocates, former rebels, local government units, non-government organizations, religious sectors, and other key actors.
Those who have surrendered are waiting for the release of assistance from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program. (PNA)
