BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Alias “Janjan”, a resident of the said place, confessed to have taken part in gun battles.
The latest surrender came after both the 94IB and the NPA engaged in a running gun battle that lasted for almost two weeks and caused the deaths of an NPA leader and two 94IB soldiers.
According to Captain Mervin Rosal, Civil Military Operations Officer of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde), the NPA suffered heavy casualties in the running battles, counting at least eight rebels wounded, citing a statement of Janjan.
Janjan also claimed to have carried the firearms of wounded NPA insurgents, and upon seeing the opportunity to escape during pursuit operations by the 94IB, he immediately took the chance.
He then sought help of a local civilian, who in turn approached the 94IB.
Janjan surrendered two M16A1 assault rifles with live ammunition and magazines.
When questioned by authorities, Janjan claimed he was extremely fatigued, hungry and feared for his life due to the confusion and senseless direction of the local NPA’s organization.
He also told the authorities that he had been deceived by his former comrades and realized that the NPA’s leadership had no clear direction in the armed struggle.
He regretted his decision to join the rebellion, pointing out that he wasted time nearly his life fighting for a senseless ideology.
Meanwhile, 303IBde commander, Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, said the Philippine Army is very much willing to assist the NPA rebels who want to surrender and return to the folds of the law.
Pasaporte also lauded Janjan’s decision to abandon the insurgent group and take the opportunities presented by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“We are willing to assist you and more of your comrades to avail the government programs allotted for our brothers and sisters who were deceived and victims of the worthless armed struggle. I commend your bravery of surrendering yourself to our troops without hesitation. Again, this is an example that you will not be harmed if you surrender peacefully, contrary to the propaganda of the NPA,” Pasaporte added.
Aside from the assistance provided under E-CLIP, Janjan is also expected to receive further aid from the government./PN
