25 NPA Rebels Surrender in Negros, Pledge Allegiance to Government

HIMAMAYLAN CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – In a significant development for regional peace efforts, 25 members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including 20 fighters and five Yunit Militia members, surrendered to the Philippine government in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. This event occurred on Friday and was reported by the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the rebels belonged to the Central Negros 2 unit of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon covering Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor. Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3ID, stated that this mass surrender was the result of effective collaboration between the 94th Infantry Battalion, the Philippine National Police, and the Himamaylan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. The surrender is seen as evidence of the government’s commitment to helping individuals affected by misguided ideologies. The surrenderers, who handed over eight firearms, cited demoralization, fatigue, and starvation as reasons for abandoning their armed struggle.

They were presented to officials including Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, at Himamaylan City Hall. Now under the custody of the 94IB, the former rebels will undergo profiling and assessment to avail benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Gen. Edralin praised their decision to choose peace and assured them of support in their reintegration into society.