By Jennifer P. Rendon
If the series of surrenders are any indication, the end of insurgency is inevitable.
This was the statement of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade after an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) member and several Militia ng Bayan members surrendered.
“The continuous surrender of members of the NPA and their supporters shows impact of the government’s campaign in ending local communist armed conflict,” Brigadier General Marion Sison, 301st IB commander, said.
Sison added that through the united effort of the people of Panay and the local government units (LGUs), they already foresee that the local communist terrorists group would be reduced to a negligible level.
“Kaya patuloy ang pakikiisa ng 301st Infantry Brigade upang ang hangarin natin na tunay na kapayapaan ay ating maisakatuparan,” Sison said.
On May 6, it was gathered that a regular NPA member and 6 militias surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) teams under the 61st Infantry Battalion based in Miag-ao, Iloilo.
Earlier this year, the 301st IB said that around 400 NPA members and supporters left the rebel group.
The five militias are from Tubungan, Iloilo while the other four are from Miag-ao town.
These MBs allegedly supported the Southern Front of Kilusang Rehiyon – Panay or SF, KR-P.
Apart from being a force multiplier, these individuals act as the eyes and ears of the enemy in their villages by reporting the presence and movement of government security forces.
They also offer logistical support to the NPA.
The active NPA member who surrendered, identified only as Agot, is a 24-year-old resident of Tubungan, Iloilo.
Agot was assigned to Sibat platoon of Southern Front, KR-P.
Just like previous rebels who surrendered, hardship and the realization of this meaningless revolution are what pushed Agot to yield.
The surrenderers turned over seven homemade shotguns with magazines and ammunition, a homemade caliber .45 pistol, and a homemade caliber .38 revolver with ammunition.
They would be assessed if they could avail the E-CLIP or Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
It is a government program that aims to help the rebel members of CPP-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government.
Through this program, they can be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new, normal lives.
