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32 tired, hungry NPA rebels yield

THIRTY-TWO ‘tired and hungry’ members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) authorities led by Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat Jr. as the Communist Party of the Philippines was marking its 52nd founding anniversary yesterday, the Journal Group learned.

In a report to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Debold M. Sinas, Caramat said the 32 former NPA rebels left the armed movement due to the hard life they have been experiencing in the mountains and in order for them to avail of the government’s comprehensive livelihood program for ex-NPA members.

The 32 laid down their high-powered weapons and ammunition to Brig. Gen. Caramat, PRO13 Deputy Regional Director for Operations, Colonel Roger L. Quezada and Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office director, Colonel Martin M. Gamba.

Caramat said the 32 which include some NPA squad leaders, members of the NPA’s Milita ng Bayan and mass supporters of the rebel movement in different areas of Agusan del Norte pledged their loyalty and allegiance to the Philippine Flag after they surrendered their firearms.

Among the firearms they turned over to the Caraga police were a sub-machine gun, M-14 rifle, 10 home-made 12-gauge shotguns, two caliber .45 pistols and four cal. .38 revolvers as well as dozens of assorted live ammunition.

The 32 also joined the burning of the CPP-NPA flag and effigy as an expression of their withdrawal from the ruthless ideology.

In his testimony, one of the rebels identified only as ‘Ka Justin” said most of them were very hungry and distressed at the time of their surrender. He added that they were enticed into joining the NPA movement after being promised good pay for their family but later realized all of these were just ‘empty promises.’

Caramat said more people are fully aware on the truth that the NPA s just disguising as ‘pro-people’ but are actually involved in the commission of heinous crimes. He added that cessation of people’s support to the CPP-NPA is the main reason why the enemies of the state are now losing their grip.

“Our government will not abandon you in the entire process as you build brighter future with your respective family. May your surrender inspire your colleagues to return to the government and abandon the world of terrorism. Let us work together and unite for the good of every Filipino citizen,” said Caramat.