By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACLOD CITY – Another alleged remnant of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF)-D of the Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS) voluntarily surrendered to authorities last Monday, less than 24 hours after his three former comrades turned themselves in to military troopers in Negros Occidental last Sunday.
Captain Dan Carlo Samoza, civil military operations (CMO) officer of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), said the fourth rebel returnee was an active Red fighter who adhered to the call of the 79th IB to return to the fold of the law.
He was reported to have been involved in a series of clashes in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, in February this year, along with the three other surrenderers.
Samoza noted that verifying their identities has been difficult as they usually go by aliases. “They don’t have birth certificates,” he added.
Samoza said they are carefully verifying their identities to enable them to avail of government programs once they have completed the process.
Samoza also stated that the first three rebel returnees had previous cases related to clashes, but they have to check the specific offenses committed so they can avail of the government’s amnesty program.
The amnesty may only be granted to former NPA rebels with offenses in pursuit of political beliefs, such as rebellion, insurrection, scandal, and disturbance, among others.
The military said the four former rebels have expressed hope for a new beginning and pledged to support the government’s efforts to foster peace and development in their communities.
According to the 79th IB, this development marks a crucial impact on collaborative efforts to bring lasting peace and development to conflict-affected areas of the Negros Island Region (NIR), reflecting the crucial developments in sustaining the current Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status of the region.
In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Calaoagan, 79th IB commander, thanked the rebel returnees for their decision to embrace peace.
“As we welcome our brothers back into the fold of law and society, let us continue our efforts to further entice and convince the remaining remnants of NNF-D to join us in our effort to have lasting peace and to help them have a renewed purpose as productive members of society with the support of their loved ones,” Calaoagan said.
“Their decision to surrender and avail the amnesty program is a testament to their trust in our efforts to help and support them and as the government which serves as an able force and protector of the people,” Calaoagan added.
The amnesty program of the government and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which includes financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, and skills training, aim to facilitate the reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society and promote sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.
Since January this year, a total of 26 members of the NPA have surrendered to various units of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID). Of this figure, 20 were from Panay Island, and six were from Negros Island.
According to the 3ID, 21 former rebels received E-CLIP assistance, while the assistance for other rebel returnees is in process.
Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander, lauded the collaboration between the 79th IB and the police counterparts for their joint efforts.
“This teamwork has encouraged the remaining NPAs to surrender, as they feel the sincerity of the security forces in helping them and ensuring their safety and well-being,” Sison said.
Sison reiterated his persistent call to the remaining NPAs to return to the folds of the law and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs.
“Don’t miss your chance. Today might be your last. Reach out to the nearest Army, police, or local government unit (LGU) and signify your intention to surrender. This is your chance for a better life,” he said.
