Daily TribuneLack of family support from leaders prompts NPA fighters to surrender
TACLOBAN CITY — Eight New People's Army fighters surrendered to the government in Northern Samar amid growing discontent within the ranks of the communist movement in Eastern Visayas.
The 803rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Catarman, Northern Samar reported the surrender of six members of the merged Front Command-2 and Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit under the sub-regional command Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee and two members of the White Area Committee-Northern Samar.
Capt. Valben Almirante, 803IB civil-military operations officer, said the eight communist rebels surrendered to the 43rd Infantry Battalion based in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar last 8 December.
The rebels also surrendered eight firearms one caliber 5.56 M16 A1 rifle, one cal. 5.56 M653 rifle, one cal. 45 pistol, three cal. .38 pistols and two rifle grenades.
Almirante said the surrenderers told the military that their organization is unable to sustain the needs of their families due to the diminished mass-based support as a result of the military's community outreaach operations.
Lt. Col. Manuel Degay, commanding officer of the 43rd IB, welcomed the surrendering rebels and thanked them for choosing the path of peace.
Degay also encouraged other members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law to attain the inclusive and sustainable peace in Northern Samar.
Brigade Commander Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo, meanwhile, lauded the troops for the successful negotiations that led to the surrender of the eight.
Peñaredondo also asked the families of the remaining active guerilla fighters to help in establishing contact with them and encouraged them to return to their communities.
