At least nine members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered in Northern Samar, turning over six firearms and explosives to the Philippine Army.
According to the Philippine Army’s report, the rebels, who were part of the sub-regional guerrilla unit, surrendered to the 19th Infantry Battalion on February 15. Among the weapons turned over were one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, two improvised M14 rifles, one carbine rifle, an anti-personnel mine, and two bandoliers.
The rebels, identified as Amboy, Jhonry, Lenlen, Adi, Bobby, Ostoy, Boy, Nap, and Yutot, personally handed over the weapons at the Philippine Army headquarters in Opong village, Catubig, Northern Samar.
The former rebels revealed that they decided to abandon the armed struggle due to severe hunger and the loss of support from their communities.
In response, government forces are coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to provide immediate financial assistance and other benefits to the surrendered rebels. They are currently undergoing processing for the local social integration program and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
