Two dozen part-time communist rebels, two regular NPAs and a local CPP leader turned their backs against the rebel movement in Apayao province on Tuesday, the military said.
Twenty-four members of Milisya ng Bayan, two regular NPA rebels and a member of Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) took their oath of allegiance to the government on November 16, 2021 in Barangay Bagutong, Flora, Apayao.
They also burned the flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
“Ka Kira”, one of the former rebels accordingly claimed sexual harrassment is rampant inside the rebel movement, “wag nilang itatanggi na walang harrasment sa loob ng kilusan sa mga kababaihan. Ako mismo ang naging biktima ng pagtangkaan akong hubaran ng komander ko. Kaya nag aalala ako sa mga kababaihang NPA na kumikilos pa rin sa loob ng kilusan.”
She added, “nagbalik-loob ako sa pamahalaan dahil gusto ko nang magbagong buhay. Ayoko nang magpagamit sa teroristang NPA sa kanilang pananakot at pangingikil. Namulat na ako at hindi na ako magpapalinlang pa sa kanila.” She then urged the youth to honor their parents and avoid deception by the NPAs.
The two former regular rebels surrendered one Cal. 45 pistol with a magazine and ammunition, an anti-personnel mine and rebel documents with high-intelligence values.
Flora mayor Rodolfo Juan Sr. vowed to support government forces in advocating peace and inclusive development in their community. “We support the Philippine Army and the PNP in the fight against insurgency. We are one in advocating peace and development. Together, we will attain insurgency free community.”
Lt. Col. Angelo Saguiguit, commanding officer of 17th Infantry Battalion promised, “Nandito kaming mga sundalo para tumulong sa ating mga kababayang nalinlang ng teroristang NPA. Sa inyong pagsuko, kami’y nagagalak dahil alam namin na malaki ang pwede ninyong mai-ambag sa ating pagkamit ng katahimikan sa inyong komunidad.”
