LAGUNA, Philippines – Five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in the province of Quezon.
They were presented to the media on Tuesday, September 25, at Camp Vicente Lim in Laguna.
According to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PDG Oscar Albalyalde, the rebels’ decision to return to the government is a huge help to the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in their operations to track the rest of the rebels in the field.
“Sila din ang tutulong sa atin para po matigil na rin ang ibang mga kasamahan nila na gumagawa pa ng hindi maganda sa lugar nila. Marami naman sa mga nag-surrender ngayon sa atin na hanggang ngayon ay buhay at nagbagong buhay at nasa magandang kalagayan,” Albayalde said.
Albayalde believes that the rebels are not helping the country’s economy if they continue on with their illegal activities such as extortion and destruction of properties in neighborhoods.
“Paano tayo magde-develop dito magpo-progress kung every time na may ginagawang development ang gobyerno, sinusunog. Walang gustong kumuha ng contractor kasi masisira at malulugi lang siya. Masusunog ang kanilang mga (gamit). Anong mangyayari sa lugar na iyon. It will remain poor. If you are poor, madali ka kasing mae-enganyo, mabe-brain wash,” Albayalde explained.
The PNP Chief encourages rebels to return to the government and take advantage of the opportunities to start a new life as he assures rebel returnees their protection against their former colleagues.
“Iyan po ay ilalapit natin sa mga elected officials sa mga local chief executives natin para mabigyan sila ng livelihood. Hindi natin sila pababayaan para makapagbagong buhay at matulungan natin sila na maiangat ang kanilang buhay,” the official said. — Marje Pelayo (with reports from Sherwin Culubong)
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