Four members of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists have surrendered to government forces in Eastern Visayas, citing family appeals and the hardships of life in the underground movement.
Identified by their aliases as Junjun, Yana, Tanggol and Digma, the four were members of the Sub-Regional Committee ARCTIC under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
Their surrender took place during joint military operations in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, and the municipalities of Palapag and Catubig in Northern Samar.
The former rebels reportedly experienced hunger, constant movement, uncertainty and prolonged separation from their families. Their return was encouraged by continued appeals from relatives through the government’s Local Peace Engagement family approach.
The surrender also resulted in the recovery of six firearms from two arms caches on Sept. 13. The first cache contained three M16 rifles and one M14 rifle, while the second yielded one M16 rifle and one M14 rifle.
The 8th Infantry Division said the successive surrender of members reduces the armed group’s manpower and operational capability.
Former members may receive reintegration assistance, livelihood opportunities and other support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and related government initiatives.
The 8ID encouraged other members of the armed movement to surrender their weapons, reunite with their families and return to civilian life.
