Luna, Apayao - 22 firearms and 4 explosives were surrendered to the 17th Infantry Battalion by Six (6) members of New People’s Army (NPA) of the East & West Front Committee and were presented during the Balik Loob Program of the Provincial Government of Apayao.
The surrender of the rebels and their firearms signifies their commitment to have a new life and not to partake in terroristic activities again.
Under the command of Lt. Col. Oliver C. Logan, Commanding Officer of 17IB and Team Liberator of 502nd Infantry Brigade BGen. Eugene M. Mata, the combined efforts of the 17IB and 502nd Infantry Brigade led to the surrender 6 members of the NPA along with their high-powered weapons.
The army praised the surrendering individuals for choosing the proper course of action.
The army, likewise, gave the ex-rebels assurance that they would support and monitor them to ensure they get all benefits provided by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The high-powered firearms surrendered by the rebels were hidden in an area later identified by them. The items surrendered include (1) M60 machine gun, (3) M653 rifle, (2) M14 rifle, (1) M16 with M203 grenade launcher, (1) AK-47 rifle, (14) M16 rifle.
The former rebels who returned to the folds of the government is a concrete evidence that the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) group is soon to be no more.
During the event, DND Secretary Gibo Teodoro lauded the efforts of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) under the stewardship of Local Government Units (LGUs) of Province of Apayao.
Further, Teodoro recognized the commitment and sacrifices of Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. in working hard to contribute to the endeavor of the government to achieve sustainable peace and development.
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