32 NPA fighters surrender in Agusan del Norte

As the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) celebrated its 52nd anniversary, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday announced that 32 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Norte have surrendered to government forces.

The PNP said the 32 members were composed of squad leaders, militia ng bayan, and mass supporters of the CPP-NPA in the different areas of Agusan del Norte.

PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas said the surrender is a “significant development in the ongoing efforts of the PNP to promote the localized peace advocacy of government.”

“We welcome CPP-NPA members who will heed our call to return to the folds of the law and join the mainstream of society as free and empowered citizens,” Sinas said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the surrenderees also turned in one submachine gun, one M14 rifle, 11 12-gauge shotguns, and six handguns.

Sinas has instructed authorities to give the 32 returnees government benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

According to the PNP, a spokesman of the group said more of their comrades who were “distressed and starving in the hills” also wanted to “come down and lead normal lives” with their families.

The CPP on Friday announced that revolutionary forces would hold "simple but joyous" activities to commemorate the CPP's 52nd anniversary.

Last week, it declared that there would be no holiday truce with the government this year amid the holiday season due to the vicious attacks of state forces.

In early December, President Rodrigo Duterte declared that there would be no ceasefire with the NPA for the rest of his term.  — DVM, GMA News