BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Eight New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental surrendered to government forces during the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) 53rd anniversary on Dec. 26, according to the 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) of the Philippine Army.
The surrenderees were members of the NPA’s SYP Platoon operating in Central Negros, said 303IB commander Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte. One of them was squad leader “Ka Dodong”.
They surrendered at the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Isabela town’s Barangay Libas and joined peace advocate groups in denouncing NPA atrocities.
Ka Dodong, claimed they were lied to by NPA leaders who told them they were going to be killed by government forces if they approach them.
Dodong said such claims were not true and he called on his other former comrades to surrender before it’s too late.
The eight surrenderees were expected to avail themselves of an assistance package from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Meanwhile, despite a somewhat quiet observance of the NPA anniversary, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) remained on heightened alert.
NOCPPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco said the insurgents did not initiate any attacks against government forces or the local population.
Donasco said it is possible that the rebels also became “victims” themselves when super typhoon “Odette” ravaged the southern portion of the province earlier this month.
Nonetheless, Donasco added they will continue being on high alert for any possible attacks the insurgents might carry out./PN
