Former rebel group surrenders more firearms

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- The now “decommissioned” paramilitary Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA), a splinter group from the New Peoples Army in 1986, surrendered at least 11 more assault rifles to the government.

The latest batch of surrendered firearms brought to 159 the total number of guns that the CPLA turned in since the start of the group's decommissioning last year when the CPLA forged a final pact with the government.

Army Col. Loreto Magundayao, spokesperson of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu, Isabela said seven M16 assault rifles,  three M14 rifles and one Carbine were turned in by the CPLA in Kalinga to Col. Roger Salvador at the 501st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Tabuk City, Kalinga on Thursday.

The firearms, Magundayao said, will be stockpiled at the Camp Dela Cruz in Isabela.

The peace pact between the CPLA and the government was pursuant to  Administrative Order Number 18 and Executive Order Number 49 of Pres. Benigno Aquino III, which laid down the government's peace initiatives with “threat groups”.

Other factions of the CPLA, however, particularly the group of former Bucloc town, Abra Mayor Mailed Molina opposed the peace pact, saying those factions that agreed with the government were "counterfeits".

On the other hand, factions led by Ifugao leader Arsenio Himiding,  which forged a pact with the government are now receiving multi-million livelihood aids  from the government through the Pamana peace program. - Artemio A. Dumlao