4 NPA rebels surrender, yield 4 firearms in Iligan City

MARAWI CITY: Four New People’s Army (NPA) militias voluntarily surrendered to security forces in Barangay (Village) Rogongon here on Thursday, the military said.

The 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division said the four militias surrendered through the intensified focused military operations of the government security forces and the sustained pressure from the different stakeholders.

The surrender of the four NPA militias was facilitated by the combined efforts of the 51st Infantry Battalion under the leadership of LtC Jasper Edward Obar and the 5th Infantry Battalion under Ltc Ryan Severo.

The returnees also yielded 4 firearms consisting one US M1 Garand rifle, one carbine rifle, one 9mm Ingram sub-machine gun, and one shotgun as well as magazines and ammunitions.

“Based on the revelation of the four militias, they decided to surrender because of the hardships they are experiencing in the mountains and they are tired of hiding from the government forces conducting military operations,” said Obar.

They also learned about the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) where all the stakeholders are working together in order to help renew the life of the former rebels.

“Nabalitaan din po namin na may programa ang gobyerno na E-CLIP para sa mga mag balik-loob kaya napag-isipan namin mag-surrender sa mga sundalo”, sabi ni alias Rebi, isa sa mga nag-surrender (“We also heard about the E-CLIP of the government which is intended for those who will return to the folds of the government that’s why we decided to surrender to the soldiers”), said alias Rebi, one of the returnees.

“We warmly welcome the four NPA militias who realized that their lives with the Communist NPA Terrorist will lead nowhere. We will ensure that they will be provided with the necessary assistance through E-CLIP,” said Col. Ezra James Enriquez, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, commended the troops for the successful surrender of the NPA militias.

Ancan said, “We encourage other NPAs to return to the folds of the law and help us in sustaining the development programs of our government.”

"We are calling them to bring down their firearms and avail of the E-CLIP of the government and enjoy their life together with their families," Ancan added. 

By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA