Three NPA members surrender in Compostela Valley – Eastmincom

Three New People's Army fighters surrendered to soldiers from the Army 25th Infantry Battalion in Compostela Valley on Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command said.

 

In a statement, Eastmincom, which operates in Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and parts of Soccsksargen, said Jessie Conseng alias Jerry; Jefferd Conseng alias alias Klen-Klen; and Jonathan Conseng alias Josy, surrendered on Thursday morning and are being interviewed at battalion headquarters.

 

Eastmincom said 62 NPA members have surrendered to military units under the command since January. Military and police in the area have also served arrest warrants against 30 wanted members of the NPA this year.

In March, Eastmincom said around 53 percent of around 3,000 NPA members in the country operates in its area of responsibility.

 

The government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program provides livelihood and financial assistance to so-called rebel returnees to help them reintegrate into mainstream society.  

 

Lt. Col. Michelle Anayron, commander of the 25th IB, said collaboration between residents, government agencies, and non-government organizations has led to an increase in the number of surrenderees. 

 

“Significant to these collaboration are the implementation of livelihood trainings, scholarship of out of school youth and many others for the benefit of the community”, Anayron said. — JDS, GMA News