• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A self-confessed member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in Negros Oriental on May 18 and turned over a firearm, while another rebel wounded in a recent armed encounter in Cauayan, Negros Occidental is now in stable condition, according to government security forces.
In a statement, the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the rebel returnee, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, yielded a caliber .45 pistol with a magazine containing four rounds of ammunition.
The surrenderer, a resident of Sitio Magba in Barangay Panciao, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental, returned to the folds of the law through the assistance of the 1st Maneuver Platoon of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company under the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, disclosed that an NPA member injured during the recent encounter in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, is now in stable condition after seeking assistance for medical treatment from the military.
Jumawan said the wounded rebel, identified only by his alias “Johnrey,” was allegedly abandoned by his fleeing comrades following a series of gun battles in barangays Abaca and Poblacion in Cauayan.
The armed clashes resulted in the deaths of five alleged NPA members and the recovery of eight high-powered firearms, including an M60 machine gun.
Following the surrender and the recovery operations, PRO-NIR renewed its appeal to remaining members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) to abandon the armed struggle, surrender their weapons, and return to the folds of the law.
The regional police office assured former rebels that the government remains committed to helping them rebuild their lives through various reintegration programs and assistance.
These programs include livelihood opportunities, skills training, financial assistance, and other interventions aimed at promoting stability, dignity, and a better future for former rebels and their families.
PRO-NIR also reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive yet compassionate peace and security initiatives to end local communist armed conflict, strengthen community partnerships, and foster lasting peace and development across the Negros Island Region.*
