Army says 29 NPA members surrendered to gov't in Agusan del Sur

The Philippine Army on Saturday said 29 members of the New People's Army surrendered to the government on Tuesday in Agusan del Sur.

They were joined by 80 Milisya ng Bayan members and 212 mass supporters in withdrawing support for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army, it said.

The 321 NPAs, MBs and mass supporters—all residents of the municipality of Esperanza—took part in a peace rally and mass withdrawal of support ceremony held at the Esperanza National High School Gymnasium in Barangay Poblacion.

They denounced the CPP's atrocities and continuous exploitation during the march protest rally.

The 212 mass supporters were composed of 12 supporters, 151 mass organization members, 23 contacts, and 26 couriers.

The Army said they all pledged allegiance to the government and vowed to eradicate the influence of the CPP-NPA in their communities.

Each of the 15 who surrendered received financial assistance from the local government of Esperanza worth P15,000, while others are still undergoing validation. —KG, GMA News