ORMOC CITY, LEYTE – Twenty-two former New People’s Army (NPA) members of the Apoy Platoon of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) reunited today in Barangay Locsoon, Borongan City, Eastern Samar to discuss peace and collaboration.
In a significant development for peace efforts, the 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion, 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, under the operational control of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, successfully brought together these former NPA members. This reunion marks a pivotal moment in the region’s journey towards peace, stability, and unity.
Following a series of strategic initiatives and programs led by local government units (LGUs) in Samar and Eastern Samar, the manpower of the NPA’s Apoy Platoon has significantly reduced, accompanied by the surrender of firearms. The success of the LGU-driven Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) and the innovative Friends Rescued through the Engagement of their Families (FReE Families) program played a crucial role in this positive transformation.
The commitment of the 22 former NPAs to support peace efforts in the southern municipalities of Samar and Eastern Samar underscores their dedication to promoting harmony and facilitating the return of their former comrades to normal life.
“With the launch of Project ‘APOY,’ which stands for ‘Advocating Programs that promote reconciliation and Optimizing gains Yielding to Peace,’ these individuals are set to become key allies in advocating for peace and reconciliation,” elaborated Lieutenant Colonel Joseph D. Bugaoan, Battalion Commander, 78IB.
Upon the deployment of the 802nd Infantry Brigade in Samar Island on June 1, 2023, the Brigade reduced the manpower of the Apoy Platoon from 47 to 27 and its firearms from 43 to 31 by the end of 2023. Seventeen of these personnel and nine firearms were surrendered through the FReE Families program.
In the first half of 2024, another ten former NPAs heeded the call of their families to embrace peace, bringing six high-powered firearms with them. The series of surrenders of these former NPA fighters resulted from the follow-through of the LGU-led LPE and the Enhanced-FReE Families program. Currently, only 16 members remain in the platoon.
“We also aim to help the families of our remaining 16 former comrades in Apoy Platoon to choose the path of peace, reunite with their families, and live a peaceful life like us,” said Arnel Encinas, a former Vice Commanding Officer of the Apoy Platoon and Squad Leader of Squad 2, in the vernacular.
The active involvement of local chief executives and the unwavering support of Governors from Samar and Eastern Samar signal a unified approach towards sustainable peace-building initiatives. By engaging with former NPA members and their communities, the collaboration between LGUs, the military, and third-party peace advocates aims to dismantle the influence of armed groups and foster a culture of peace and cooperation.
The “Project APOY” was successfully launched with the support of Hon. Sharee Ann Tan, Governor of the Province of Samar, and Governor Ben Evardone of the Province of Eastern Samar. The activity was graced by Local Chief Executives (LCEs) of the City of Borongan, Hon. Mayor Jose Ivan “Dayan” C. Agda; Hon. Mayor Gilbert I. Go of Giporlos; Hon. Mayor Flora C. Ty of General McArthur, all in the province of Eastern Samar; and Hon. Mayor Clarito P. Rosal of Hinabangan, Samar.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, explained that the 22 former NPA members will take an active role as peace advocates within their communities.
“These former NPAs were rescued from the deceptive ideology of the Communist Terrorist Movement and are living testaments to the transformative power of unity and reconciliation. Their journey from conflict to collaboration embodies the hope for a brighter, more peaceful future in Eastern Samar and the whole of Region 8,” Vestuir concluded.
