NPA guerrillas yield high-power U.S. and Russian-made assault rifles in exchange for cash

Cagayan de Oro City — New People's Army (NPA) rebels operating in the hinterlands of the Caraga region surrendered and turned over two high-power assault rifles and three World War II vintage rifles in exchange for cash and livelihood assistance, according to military reports.

Lt. Col. Jose Redentor Gilbuela, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 26th Battalion, reported that a regional NPA commander and four regular members from the Headquarters NPS Revolutionary Command surrendered and turned over a Russian-made AK-47 assault rifle, a U.S.-made Colt M653 Carbine rifle, two World War II Garand rifles, and one M1 Carbine rifle with live ammunition.

The AK-47, a favored weapon of Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War, and the Colt M653, also known as the "Baby Armalite," a weapon used by U.S. Navy SEALs, were among the arms surrendered.

Under the government reconciliation program, the rebels are paid in cash for the firearms they surrender. Payments depend on the condition of the weapons, with high-powered assault rifles fetching higher amounts than low-powered and vintage firearms.

The rebels decided to leave their mountain stronghold to avail themselves of the government’s reconciliation program.

“The 26IB will do its best to assist and guide you in coordination with various government agencies to process your enrollment in the E-CLIP program and help you access the benefits designed to assist in your reintegration into society,” Lt. Col. Gilbuela stated.

The rebel returnees will undergo assessments and documentation for enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides various forms of assistance to help them reintegrate into mainstream society and begin new, productive lives.