MARAMAG, Bukidnon -- At least 80 members of the New People’s Army (NPA), operating in San Fernando, Bukidnon, voluntarily surrendered to the government Tuesday inside the 8th Infantry Battalion’s (IB) camp of the Philippine Army at South Poblacion here.
The 80 rebel returnees were under the command of Benjamin “Ka Nonong” Salusad, former commanding officer of Sangay sa Platon Pampropaganda 3, Guerilla Front 6, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
The group, in which 70 of them are males and 10 are females, belong to the Tigwahanon, Matigsalog and Manobo tribes of San Fernando; and are composed of 31 regular rebels and 49 “Militia ng Bayan.”
Most of the regular rebels have reportedly served the organization for 10 years, while others served for five months as Militia ng Bayan.
The 80 rebels joined the NPA allegedly due to deception and exploitations of issues related to ancestral domain. However, they decided to surrender due to disrespect and discriminations of the NPA to the lumads.
Salusad, however, said he joined the NPA due to abuses by the military when some of his relatives were massacred in 1992 and 1995.
“The NPA rode on with the military abuse, which made me decide to join the movement,” he said.
Salusad said he decided to surrender because he perceived that there is still no progress in their battles.
“The only hope for ourselves along with the lumads is the ancestral domains that we wanted,” he said.
The rebels also surrendered 25 high-powered firearms: seven 5.56mm M16A1, five 5.56mm M653 (AR18), one 7.62mm M14, three cal.30 Garand rifles, two cal.30 BAR, six cal.30 carbine and one cal.45 Thompson SMG.
Aside from these, they also surrendered one claymore mine with 20 meters electric wire, 15 M16 magazine assemblies, one M14 magazine assembly, seven clips for Garand rifle, six carbine magazine assemblies, one Thompson magazine assembly and assorted ammunition.
The surrender was done in coordination with the 8th IB, Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, Philippine National Police and the local government of Bukidnon, with the efforts of the elders and tribal leaders of San Fernando, Bukidnon headed by its Supreme Datu and Chieftain, Datu Okit Onlas.
Lieutenant General Arthur Tabaquero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said this is so far the most number of rebels who surrendered to the government.
“This is the first time we have experienced a large group of NPAs who surrendered at a single time,” he said.
Tabaquero said the AFP and the Provincial Government of Bukidnon are sincere in giving assistance to the rebel returnees for them to live peacefully.
The rebel returnees will receive financial and livelihood assistance from the province through its local integration program, while other benefits and privileges will still be determined by the Joint validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC).
Calingasan said almost P1.9 million worth of financial assistance were given to the rebel returnees, excluding Salusad’s group.
“It only means that we are not negligent but sincere in helping the rebel returnees,” Calingasan said.
During the event, Salusad led a symbolic turnover of the firearms and the oath taking of allegiance to the government.
