Saturday, September 22, 2018

PNP Region 8 renews call to rebels to surrender

PALO, Leyte, Sept. 21 – The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here renewed its call to communist rebels in Eastern Visayas (Region 8)  to surrender and avail of the government’s comprehensive reintegration program.
The PNP made the call after several members of New People’s Army (NPA) turned themselves in to local police stations.
“This is a manifestation that our policemen have been working and coordinating with the community for their safety and comfortable living,” said PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos in an interview Thursday.
Carlos assured rebel returnees that the government is ready to extend the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-CLIP) that comes with complete package assistance.
“Those who desire to abandon the armed struggle and aim to become productive members of society will certainly be provided with the benefits of E-CLIP that will pave the way for their new beginning,” Carlos said.
The assistance includes physical safety and security for them and for their family for three years while enrolled under E-CLIP.
The program is being carried out by local government units in coordination with the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
In the past two months, NPA rebels in Eastern Samar surrendered to the 2nd Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (ESPMFC) headed by Chief Insp. Frederick Señal based in Quinapundan, Eastern Samar.
On July 31, Antonio Amadar, 80, finance officer of the NPA’s Artemio Command, yielded to authorities with caliber .45 pistol and ammunition.
After a month, the rebel group’s Efren Martires Command political instructor Jojo Gerillana surrendered to the same unit, yielding firearms and ammunitions.
Early this month, George Bolito Command political instructor Abe Labide showed up at the 2nd ESPMFC with a .357 magnum revolver and ammunition.
Last week, NPA team leader and intelligence officer Jovany Gerillana surrendered to the same unit.
Aside from safety, livelihood and housing assistance, former rebel members who avail of the E-CLIP may be reintegrated to the military service or by joining the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit. (RTA/PNA)

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