By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Four former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received PHP 40,000 in financial assistance from the government after surrendering to military troops in Barangay Poblacion, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday.
The former rebels were identified as alias “Alver” and alias “Jay,” both members of Squad 2, Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) Platoon, Central Negros 1 (CN1), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS); alias “May,” a member of Squad 1, SDG Platoon, CN1, KR-NCBS; and alias “Ara,” a member of KAUGMAON, CN1, KR-NCBS.
According to the Army, alias “Alver” also surrendered a .357 caliber revolver to the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB).
Each surrenderer received PHP 10,000 in cash, a sack of fertilizer from the Department of Agriculture (DA), and 10 kilograms of rice from the Guihulngan city government.
The event also marked their oath of allegiance, as they pledged to leave behind the armed struggle and reintegrate into mainstream society.
Lt. Col. Evelio Ilanga III, commander of the 62nd IB, emphasized in a statement the significance of collective efforts to address the insurgency and reaffirmed the battalion’s commitment to protecting the community.
Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), praised the military troops and the local government of Guihulngan for their collaboration in facilitating the surrender of the former rebels in Central Negros.
Edralin assured the rebels that the government has established programs to support those who choose to surrender. “Your Army in Negros is more than willing to welcome you back into mainstream society,” he said.
He also warned those who continue the armed struggle, stating that the Army will relentlessly pursue them until they have no choice but to surrender.
