Sorsogon, Philippines - Revelations from three members of the New People's Army (NPA) who recently surrendered in Sorsogon led to the discovery and subsequent recovery of a weapons cache, as reported by the Police Regional Office (PRO)-5 (Bicol) on Thursday. Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, the PRO5 spokesperson, identified these individuals as "Ka Kiko" and "Ka Henry", both affiliated with Platoon 1, Larangan 1, Komite ng Probinsya 3, Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC), and "Ka Renz", who is associated with the Regional Yunit Guerrilla, BRPC.
According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, The surrendered individuals shared information on the stash's location, allowing troops to retrieve various war materiel in Barangay Sangat, Gubat town. This included one US M2 caliber .30 carbine, five magazines designed for the .30 caliber carbine, two anti-personnel mines, a pair of bandoliers, a 25-meter wire, and 56 rounds of .30-caliber ball ammunition. "These NPA members, along with the weapons, are currently under the custody of the Philippine Army's 31st Infantry Battalion," remarked Calubaquib.
Furthermore, in Camarines Norte, an NPA female member affiliated with the Armando Catapia Command also yielded to the government forces on Wednesday. "Alias 'Lina' surrendered an unmarked improvised firearm, accompanied by eight rounds of live ammunition. Both she and the weapon are now with the Camarines Norte 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, awaiting proper disposition," added Calubaquib.
Calubaquib attributed the continued surrender of NPA members to the Philippine National Police's Retooled Community Support Program. "Those who surrender are enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). This program offers a variety of supports designed to assist their seamless re-entry into community life," Calubaquib said. The primary goal of ECLIP is to provide former rebels with a comprehensive set of benefits. In addition to monetary incentives, the initiative focuses on equipping these individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives, ensuring they emerge as productive, law-abiding members of their respective communities.