8 alleged NPA members surrender to authorities in Bicol —police

Eight alleged members of the New People's Army surrendered to authorities in Daet, Camarines Norte on Sunday, the provincial police office said. 

The alleged rebels surrendered at Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons Sr. in Barangay Dogongan at around 10:45 a.m.

A ceremony was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, led by Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office provincial director Police Colonel Julius Guadamor and attended by members of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict/ Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

During the ceremony, the alleged rebels turned over their firearms.

The surrenderees are alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA - Bicol Regional Party Committee which is said to be launching offensives in the Bicol region.

During the ceremony, the rebels took off their CPP-NPA shirts and wore white T-shirts with the statement "NO to CPP-NPA."

They also burned an effigy and an NPA flag, and waved the Philippine flag while singing "Pilipinas Kong Mahal," the police said.

The surrenderees also took an oath of allegiance.

Guadamor urged other NPA members to surrender to authorities and start a new life.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Cleto Lelino, battalion commander of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Battalion, gave a message of support.

The surrenderees were given financial assistance and food packs. —KG, GMA News