Ex-NPA members in Bicol lay down arms, rejoin civil society

A total of 132 former members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) operating in the Bicol Region have returned to the fold of the law from 1 January to 25 June this year, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Thursday.

According to PRO-5 Director BGen. Andre Dizon, the former rebels voluntarily surrendered to police and military forces in the region.

The returnees also turned over 60 various types of firearms, 24 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and 2,727 pieces of assorted ammunition.

Dizon credited the intensified campaign and continuous coordination between PRO-5 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"In partnership with various local government units and government agencies, operations, dialogues, and community outreach programs continue to be conducted to convey to those on the fringes of society that there are alternative and more peaceful ways to achieve change in their lives," he said.

Rebel returnees are set to receive cash assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), along with livelihood packages and other forms of government support.

"Through this, the residents are better informed about the importance of peace and how they can recover with the help of the government," Dizon added.

The government also ramped up the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), which is designed to directly link insurgency-affected communities to government services and development programs.