The Philippine Territory

Fifty-three New People Army (NPA) fighters have surrendered to the units of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division for the first nine months of 2013.

Major Ray C. Tiongson, the unit spokesperson, attributes this to their intensified "Bayanihan Team" operations.

Tiongson added the rebels also surrendered three high-powered firearms, 10 low-powered guns, two hand grenades and one rifle grenade.

Recently, a certain Jerome Billamac alias "Maisa" turned himself in to Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and was accompanied by barangay officials.

Billamac, 24, a resident of Sitio Katipunan, Barangay San Roque, San Jose, Negros Oriental, was handed over to Col. Christopher Estella, 302nd Infantry Brigade deputy commander and officers of the 79th Infantry Battalion for custodial debriefing.

He was a member of the NPA involved in several encounters with the government security forces in Negros Oriental.

Billamac was the vice squad leader and a machine gunner of Squad 2, Sentro de Grabidad (SDG), Southeast Front (SEF), Komiteng Rehiyonal-Sentral Bisayas (KR-SB) operating in the hinterlands of Negros Oriental.

“This indicates the waning strength of the CPP-NPA and support from the people. The people support the democratic government and believe in the government’s principle of 'Daang Matuwid' as espoused by our President His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Brigadier Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad said.

“More rebels continue to realize the futility of armed violence and believe in the objectives of the Internal Peace and Security Plan 'Bayanihan' as well as in the sincerity of the government in bringing peace and development in the countryside," he added.

Last May, two former rebels in Negros Oriental who returned to mainstream society have received a P50,000 financial assistance each through the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

The cash given to former rebels as livelihood assistance aims to ensure their successful integration to the community and to improve their socio-economic status.

Billamac on his part will also receive and avail of the same assistance and benefits from the local government after going through the process to be facilitated by the military.

Meanwhile, four high ranking NPA rebels in Panay traded their guns for the future of their families in July of this year.
The ex-rebels received cash from the AFP Guns for Peace Program which they used as seed money for livelihood while living in peace with their love ones.

The AFP’s Guns for Peace Program offers cash incentive to members of the NPA who return to mainstream society with their firearms.

For every high-powered firearm turned-over to the government, immediate cash incentive is given. The seed money is intended to start a new life for the rebels while transitioning back to the community.

Among others, allocated for them are cash incentives as high as P200,000 for light machine guns, P50,000 for Colt M-16 rifle, P60,000 for M-14 carbine and P40,000 for M-203 grenade launchers.

Aside from this, former rebels may also avail of the skills training seminar for their livelihood to start a new life with a bright future ahead for their families.

“Much remains to be done. We should stop fighting first before we can truly achieve peace. We continue to call on other NPA rebels to pursue the right path and be part in building a better community instead of fighting the government authorities," Baladad stressed.

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid&nid=1&rid=562955