SOME thirty one members and sympathizers of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Surigao del Sur have surrendered to government authorities over the last week, military officials said Saturday.

Among the surrenderees are 9 regulars, 22 Milisya ng Bayan  members of the communist movement, operating in the Lasicam Complex in Surigao area, according to the report.

Army's 30th Infantry Battalion civil-military officer 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin Elisand De Dios said in a press statement that the former NPA members surrendered to  the Community Support Program Team of 30IB in Brgy Camam-onan, Gigaquit town on November 22.

"They voluntarily surrender without firearms to the 30IB's CSP team," said De Dios.

She said LASICAM complex is considered as one of the bastions of the communist rebels in the area.

De Dios said the surrenderees are members of Sandatahang Pampropaganda sa Platun (SPP) 16C, Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Party Committee (NEMRC) under Pablo Lugatiman AKA JACOB operating in LASICAM Complex. 

During the Grand Pulong-Pulong, Gigaquit town mayor Chandru T. Bonite welcomed the surrenderees, where around 200 individuals of the Mamanwa tribe from the hinter areas of Barangays Lahi, Sico-sico and Camam-onan (LASICAM) witnessed the event.

“Isip injo Mayor, Nalipay ko kay inyo gidawat ang programa sa atong gobyerno alang sa kalinaw," said Bonite.

Bonite also urged them to help each other to achieve lasting peace and progress in Lasicam.

"I am very glad that you truly accepted the program of the government towards attaining a lasting peace," said Bonite.

He also expressed his gratitude to 30IB for ensuring the safety and security of the town.

"30IB is always a great partner for progress and development in the area," he said.

According to expressed his disappointments and frustrations to the leadership of NPA organization. 

“Puro kabakakan, igo ra me sologoon sa suyod wla jud kaugmaon, nag ingon sila nga naay suporta nga ila ihatag sa amo pamilya pero suyod sa 3) ka tuig nako sa organisasyun,  bisan sentimo wayay nadawat among pamilya," said Aka Jonas, one of the surrenderees who was recruited in 2016.

Aka Jonas said he is thankful to 30IB for new opportunities and new lives given to them.

"Your (30IB) kindness for helping us realize the truth," said Aka Jonas.

Meanwhile, 30IB commander Lt Col. Ryan Charles G Callanta, Commanding Officer of 30IB   said the surrenderees could avail the E-CLIP benefits, to help them start a new life

“We will ensure that these surrenderees have made the right decision," said Callanta.

Callanta said that the government is serious in its quest for peaceful reconciliation. 

"This is a fruit of a collective effort among and between partner government agencies and civil society organizations in the area," he said.

Callanta said that the Executive Order number 70 through the Local TF ELCAC is effectively functioning in this part of the country.

Callanta in his message commended the efforts of 30IB soldiers for a job well done on the Community Support Program.

"We will be expecting an avalanche of surrenderees in the coming days or weeks. we will peacefully welcome them," aid Callanta. (Ben Balce)