By Jennifer P. Rendon
More alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) are yielding to the government, according to the police.
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) confirmed on Friday that four more NPA members in Libacao, Aklan voluntarily turned themselves in on February 18, 2021.
The village chief of Manika, Libacao facilitated the surrender of the four active members of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyong Panay (KR-Panay) operating in the areas of barangays Manika and Dalagsa-an in Libacao.
According to a report, the surrenderers are cousins who are all natives of Libacao.
They were allegedly offered cash if they join the NPA in December 2020.
But the four decided to leave the group saying “they realized the deceptions made by their recruiters.”
They claimed that they did not receive the money promised to them by the rebels.
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokesperson, said the local government of Libacao will still evaluate if the four surrenderers can avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Presently, they are in the custody of Libacao Municipal Police Station for safe keeping.
Brigadier General Rolando Miranda, Western Visayas police chief, has welcomed the surrenderers and urged other rebels to do the same.
“We would like to encourage other communist group members to surrender because the government’s assistance awaits you. Let us help our government in its efforts to end local communist armed conflict in our country,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the same day, 10 NPA supporters who earlier “surrendered” a few months ago executed their judicial affidavits at the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) headquarters in Camp Sumagaysay in Sta. Barbara town.
Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, said the IPPO has provided the surrenderers legal assistance.
The NPA members who surrender are eligible to avail of the packages and benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing and legal assistance under the E-CLIP.
Gorero also urged NPA members to lay down their arms and assures them of the opportunity to have a normal life with their respective families.
“I urge you to surrender. The government will help you to rebuild your life and become productive citizens of our country,” he said.
