AFP chief hopes continuous surrender of NPAs would boost gov’t peace efforts

Armed Forces chief General Rey Leonardo Guerrero expressed hope Wednesday that the continuous surrender of New People’s Army members would further the government efforts for peace.

“Tunay na ang inyong pakikiisa sa ating pamahalaan ay nagsisilbing karagdagang lakas at inspirasyon sa ating sama-samang pagkilos tungo sa ganap na kapayapaan at kasaganahan,” Guerrero told the 215 former rebels brought to Manila by the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command.

The AFP chief led the welcome ceremony for the former NPA members held at Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo.

“Ako ay taus-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong pakikiisa sa ating adhikain pangkapayapaan,” he said.

The 215 was part of the 683  former members of the New People Army's (NPA) presented to President Rodrigo Duterte last December 21 at the Eastern Mindanao Command. 

They were the first batch of surrenderers brought to Manila for de-radicalization.

The all-expense paid trip intends to encourage active participation of the former rebels in nation-building and peace-building.

The former rebels arrived at Villamor Airbase Tuesday morning and were brought to Intramuros and Luneta and other historic places to awaken their nationalism.

They are set to meet President Duterte in Malacañang Wednesday afternoon.

In coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, they will also be brought to the mushroom production and other farms in Bulacan to help them get ideas on how to improve their lives and be self-sustaining.

On January 31, eight NPA members surrendered 71st Infantry Kaibigan Battalion in Compostela Valley without firearm. On February 3, 13 NPA supporters and one vice commander also surrendered. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News