The Philippine Army on Monday said that at least nine members of the communist rebel group, New People’s Army (NPA), operating in Eastern Visayas have surrendered.

These communist rebels, members of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), SRC Emporium, surrendered to the 19th Infantry Battalion (19IB), 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army, on 13 February.

8ID Public Affairs Chief Cpt. Jefferson Mariano identified the surrenderees by their aliases Amboy, Jhonry, Lenlen, Adi, Bobby, Ostoy, Boy, Nap, and Yutot.

He said the communist fighters personally appeared at the 19th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Opong, Catubig, Northern Samar.

“According to the former rebels, they decided to lay down their arms, abandon the armed struggle, and return to the fold of the law due to severe hunger and the loss of community support,” Mariano said.

“Moreover, years of hardship and disillusionment led them to seek a better life,” he added.

The rebels also surrendered one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, two improvised M14 rifles, one carbine rifle, an anti-personnel mine, and two bandoliers.

Meanwhile, 19IB commander LtCol. Marvin Maragun said the army remains open to accepting the rest of the NPA members who wish to return to the fold of the law.

“We welcome them with open arms and stand ready to support their reintegration into society,” he said.

8ID commander MGen. Adonis Ariel Orio said the government is ready to help the rebel returnees.

“We will continue our efforts to bring peace, as we are all Filipinos. Our goal is to reintegrate you into the community and show you what the government has to offer, a better life and a peaceful environment. I hope this marks the beginning of your new opportunities,” he said.

The 19IB is coordinating with local government units to provide immediate cash assistance and other benefits to the rebel returnees, who are undergoing debriefing, healing, and reconciliation sessions “to ensure their smooth reintegration into society.”

The surrenderees, on the other hand, are now undergoing processes under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Additionally, debriefing, healing, and reconciliation sessions are being conducted to ensure their smooth reintegration into society.