BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine National Police reported yesterday the surrender of 19 members of the New People’s Army, who used to operate in Ilog and Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda, regional police director of Western Visayas, said the 19 rebels surrendered on May 11 in Brgy. Tapi, Kabankalan City.
The former rebels used to hold various positions with the South West Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, as partisan unit members, assistant squad leaders, armed propaganda, and Yunit Militia members.
The “Balik-loob” program of the government and the cooperation of agencies and local government units, coupled with the strong support of the communities in Western Visayas, made the surrender possible, Miranda added.
He said the 19 rebels voluntarily surrendered because they want to live peacefully with their families.
He added that the growing number of surrenderees will further weaken the NPA in Western Visayas, adding that there is no room for terrorists in the region. Col. Romy Palgue, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, said the rebels will receive assistance from the government.*
