Three New People’s Army rebels were welcomed by Gov.Chaco Sagarbarria at the Capitol last week after they surrendered their cause and left their group in search of better and peaceful lives.
The two male rebels also surrendered their guns and ammunition. The third rebel, a female, had just given birth.
In a press briefing after the surrender rites coordinated by lawyer Jose Ramon Nakao, Governor Sagarbarria thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their allegiance to the country and for keeping the province safe, while welcoming “our comrades who have now chosen the right path”.
The Governor said he will continue to closely work with DILG and DSWD for immediate and livelihood assistance for the three surenderees.
He also vowed to continue to monitor our uniformed personnel to ensure the peace and safety of Negros Oriental.
Also in attendance during the courtesy visit and press conference were 302nd Infantry Brigade’s Deputy Commander, Col. Leroy Daanton, as well as 11th Infantry Batallion’s Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Michael Aquino
The surrender of the NPA rebels happened as the Provincial Peace and Order Council of Negros Oriental passed a resolution pushing for the province to be granted Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.
The Army 302nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas recommended for the passage of the resolution, citing the dismantling of all guerrilla fronts operating in the province and the absence of major violence and incidents perpetrated by the New People’s Army as the significant factors for the declaration of SIPS.
Escanillas added that this is a key factor in boosting the local tourism industry as well as encouraging business entrepreneurs to venture and attain sustainable progress.
He explained that declaring a state of SIPS does not mean the province is insurgency-free, as there are still remnants of the guerilla fronts who will be the subject of relentless focused military operations. (PR)
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Photo Caption: Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria welcomes former NPA rebels who have given up their cause and pledged to live peaceful lives, in a presentation and press conference at the Capitol last Wednesday. (Capitol PIO photo)
