By Alexander Lopez

BACK TO MAINSTREAM. Lt. Col. Mark Tabon, commander of the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion, welcomes three New People’s Army rebels who surrendered in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on Monday (Nov. 11, 2024). The former rebels handed over two handguns and a 9mm Ingram machine pistol. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Three New People’s Army (NPA) members surrendered to the military in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Monday, according to the Philippine Army.

Lt. Col. Mark Tabon, commander of the 29th Infantry Battalion, said in a statement Tuesday that the former rebels, identified only by their aliases “Desna,” “Daryl,” and “Joshua” operated under the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

The trio, who surrendered in Barangay Del Pilar, handed over two .45-caliber pistols, a 9mm Ingram machine pistol and ammunition.

“We welcome their surrender and assure them of the government’s support as they reunite with their families and communities,” Tabon said.

He urged them to encourage remaining NPA members to consider a peaceful return, emphasizing the hardships of life within the armed struggle and growing discontent with NEMRC leadership.

Tabon noted that disillusionment, coupled with ongoing government operations in the region, pushed the rebels to leave.

The three former fighters are currently undergoing assessments for enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which provides support for former rebels reintegrating into society. (PNA)