9 NPA rebels surrender to military

MANILA, Philippines - Nine communist rebels in Catanduanes have surrendered to the military and will soon receive livelihood programs from the government.

Military officials attributed the surrender to the government’s peace and development programs.

“Nine NPA (New People’s Army) rebels made the right decision to go down from the mountains from the period Jan 17-27 this year,” said Lt. Col. Rodolfo Batang, chief of the Army’s 83rd battalion.

Batang identified the former rebels as Victor Soriao, Edna Tavera, Dante Coraňes, Domingo dela Cruz, Sr., Domingo dela Cruz, Jr., Eddie Tesorero, Quimpo Ralla, Florida Francisco and Francisco Mejares.

Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said their operations had also prodded former rebels to surrender an M16 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher and 46 pieces of 40 mm grenade launcher ammunitions this month.

Batang said they are now focusing on activities intended to provide livelihood for rebels. He said these activities would enable the former insurgents to support themselves as they return to mainstream society.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said the recent ambush in Negros Occidental should serve as “wake-up” call on the need to promote peace.

“The incident is saddening. We offered our brothers a chance to resolve issues in a peaceful manner and that remains to be our position,” Bautista said in a press briefing.

“Armed violence is not the solution to our problems. That is what we offered on the (negotiating) table – a choice between continued violence and peace,” he added.

Bautista said the cooperation of all sectors is crucial in the drive for peace.

“The incident (ambush) should be a wake up call to all of us. Do we really want this? If not, then let’s speak up. Let’s call for an end to all of these,” he said. - Alexis Romero