66 NPA militiamen in Misor surrender to Army’s 23IB

SIXTY-SIX  members of the Militia ng Bayan and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered Friday to the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion in Misamis Oriental town,a military official said today.

“The surrenderers denounced the CPP-NPA and the group’s political arm–the National Democratic Front of the Philippines,” said Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero.

Cordero said the mass surrender was the result through the army’s program community support team.

He said the surrenders facilitated by the  CSP of the 23IB and Community Action (ComAct) of the government forces including police and the local government officials of Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.

“They denounced the communist rebel movement’s “terroristic activities that affected the lives of the residents and communities in Misamis Oriental,” said Cordero.

“Tungod kay naa me nagpuyo sa sook nga dapit, dali ra gyod me nakabig ug mahangyo sa armadong grupo,” said Alias Ken-Ken, a Militia ng Bayan Member.

Magsaysay Mayor Rey Buhisan told the former rebels that the government is serious in its pursuit to attain “genuine peace and development.”

“You are not doing this only for yourselves but also for the future of your children and for the next generation,” Buhisan said.

23IB commander Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo assured that the 23IB and various government agencies “are always ready to help and will remain sincere in providing support to the former rebels.”

“We thank the former CNT members and supporters for trusting the government and bravely submitting themselves to the folds of the law,” said Paulo.
Paulo said the government is always willing to help start their new lives in order for them and their children to have a brighter future.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (Ben Balce)