21 communist rebels surrender in northern, Central Luzon – military

The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) reported that 21 communist rebels surrendered while dozens of weapons were turned in just this December as part of their peacekeeping efforts in the region.

In a statement, NOLCOM said six members of the Militia ng Bayan and three members of the New People’s Army voluntarily surrendered to troops in Isabela last December 18.

Last Friday, 12 more rebels in Central Luzon surrendered to authorities.

A total of 26 firearms had also been surrendered to the NOLCOM on the same day.

Security forces also recovered a number of firearms, weapons, and ammunition in Barangay Puncan Carranglan, Nueva Ecija last Saturday.

The former rebels would undergo the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which would facilitate their reintegration into society.

“The relentless community support and focused military operations in the area of Northern/Central Luzon have done so well with our fight against insurgency,” said NOLCOM commander Lieutenant General Ramiro Manuel Rey. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News