36 ex-NPA rebels surrender in Bukidnon, turnover 55 high-powered firearms

By Bernadith G. Epan

MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)—Thirty-six former New People's Army (NPA) leaders and combatants who recently surrendered to the Philippine Army's 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, were at the forefront as the Army officials presented them to the provincial government of Bukidnon on January 10 in a ceremony at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City.

The surrenderees from various guerilla fronts turned over 55 high-powered firearms, including an M-60 machine gun, as they pledged allegiance to the government.

Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., 403rd brigade commander, expressed gratitude to the 36 former NPA rebels who surrendered to government forces. This surrender, he said, is a milestone towards achieving peace and stability in Northern Mindanao.

Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., 403rd brigade commander, presented 36 former NPA rebels to the provincial government of Bukidnon on January 10 in a ceremony at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City. (JNCL/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

"Akong pagpasalamat sa atong mga sundalo, pulis, local government units, civil society organizations, ug concerned citizens for participating in the ELCAC campaign. Kini nga kampanya involves municipal, provincial, and line agencies. Naa sila gatabang sa ato pinaagi sa paghatag sa support services sama sa livelihood assistance, skills training, ug uban pa, aron masulbad ang insurgency problem sa nasud labi na dinhi sa atong probinsya sa Bukidnon," he said.

(I thanked the military, police, local government units, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens. They are helping us by providing our ‘friends rescued’ with necessary support services, such as livelihood assistance and skills training to address the insurgency problem in the country, especially here in Bukidnon.)

He also urged the remaining insurgents to follow suit and embrace peace.

The brigade commander emphasized that the surrender of 36 former NPA rebels demonstrates the government's commitment to ending insurgency and promoting lasting peace.

Arnel Arcaya alias Sky, a former NPA leader, shared his harrowing journey within the rebel group and thanked the government for the efforts to help him reintegrate into society.

In a press conference, Arcaya shared that he chose to leave his past behind and start anew, inspired by the government’s commitment to reintegration and support for transitioning to civilian life.

Meanwhile, the military reported that Cong. Jonathan Keith Flores of the 2nd Congressional District has immensely helped the continuous surrender of former New People's Army leaders, attributing the success to the government's whole-of-nation approach.

Cong. Flores thanked the surrendered NPA leaders and combatants, stressing that inter-agency cooperation is crucial to defeating insurgency.

"The presence of government agencies in the mountains, delivering essential services to marginalized communities, has encouraged many to rejoin society and live peacefully,” he said.(BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the Philippine Army's 403rd Brigade, leads government officials in reviewing 55 high-powered firearms surrendered by the New People's Army. (JNCL/PIA 10/Bukidnon)