130 CPP-NPA members, supporters surrender in Bukidnon

CAMP OSITO D. BAHIAN, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon - One hundred thirty CPP-NPA members and supporters from the remote barangays of Sumilao, Bukidnon surrendered to local authorities and to the 1st Special Forces Battalion on Wednesday at the Municipal Gymnasium of the said town.

Those who surrendered were two regular CPP-NPA members, 35 Militia ng Bayan members, and 93 CPP-NPA mass base supporters or members of the underground mass organizations.

They also surrendered 34 assorted high- and low-powered firearms and one improvised explosive device (IED).

A total of 130 members and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army formally surrender to authorities during a ceremony in Sumilao, Bukidnon on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018. 403rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army

The surrender came after the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the Army's 4th Infantry Division and its operationally controlled battalions continued the conduct of the Community Support Program and relentless focused military operations in areas in Northern Bukidnon threatened by the CPP-NPA.

The activity, dubbed as "Kagsabuwa Para Hu Kalinaw" (Unity for Peace), was graced by Brigadier General Eric C. Vinoya, commander of the 403rd Infantry "Peacemaker" Brigade, and Sumilao Mayor Jose Antonio A. Villo.

The ceremony was highlighted by an oath of allegiance to the government taken by those who surrendered. The oath taking was officiated by Villo, which was followed by the burning of the CPP-NPA flag.

In his message during the ceremony, Vinoya said he appreciated the surrender of the former CPP-NPA members and supporters. He also explained the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government for CPP-NPA surrenderees who opt to go back to the folds of the law.

"It is with great appreciation that I welcome the surrender and the oath of allegiance to our government of the 130 CPP-NPA members and supporters. This very significant moment is a great contributory factor in our bid to finally attain peace in our communities here in Bukidnon," said Vinoya.

"With your surrender, rest assured that we would work hand-in-hand with the local government unit and our government agencies in order to assist you as you start anew and live a peaceful and normal life through livelihood projects and capacity development programs. The government has prepared a program for you such as the Comprehensive Local Integration Program wherein our brothers who are former members of the NPA will receive cash and livelihood assistance, housing, and employment assistance, among others," he added. —KG, GMA News