4 alleged rebels surrender in Northern Samar

Four alleged members of the New People’s Army surrendered to government troops in Northern Samar, leading to the recovery of seven firearms, the military reported Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade, said follow-up operations were conducted in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, on 4 September based on information from former rebels.

Troops recovered five M16 rifles, nine long magazines, one short magazine, three bandoliers, ammunition, medical supplies, a backpack, a notebook and other equipment from concealed locations.

The military also found an abandoned encampment believed to have accommodated about 15 armed individuals.

The four surrenderers turned over a Baby M16 rifle and a carbine, bringing the total number of firearms surrendered or recovered to seven.

According to Pangatungan, the former rebels cited hardship, exhaustion, difficulty obtaining basic necessities and declining community support as reasons for leaving the armed group.

“Their decision to surrender underscores that abandoning the armed struggle remains a viable path toward returning to their families and communities and rebuilding their lives through peaceful means,” Pangatungan said.

He said every recovered or surrendered firearm removed a weapon from armed conflict and allowed former rebels to reunite with their families.

“The recovery of seven firearms, coupled with the surrender of four CTG members, reflects a continuing shift away from armed confrontation and toward peace. These developments demonstrate that individuals who choose to leave the armed struggle can begin a new chapter with their families and communities,” Pangatungan said.

The Army’s 8th Infantry Division urged remaining NPA members to surrender and apply for government reintegration and assistance programs.