CATBALOGAN, Philippines — In an ongoing effort to combat insurgency in Eastern Visayas, nine members of the New People’s Army (NPA) from the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), SRC Emporium, surrendered to the 19th Infantry Battalion (19IB) of the Philippine Army on February 13, 2025.
The 8th Infantry Division identified the surrenderees only by their aliases: Amboy, Jhonry, Lenlen, Adi, Bobby, Ostoy, Boy, Nap, and Yutot. They presented themselves at the 19IB headquarters in Barangay Opong, Catubig, Northern Samar, where they handed over a cache of weapons, including one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, two improvised M14 rifles, one carbine rifle, an anti-personnel mine, and two bandoliers.
The former rebels cited extreme hardship, hunger, and the loss of community support as their primary reasons for abandoning the armed struggle and returning to civilian life. Years of disillusionment with their cause led them to seek a new start outside the insurgency.
Lt. Col. Marvin A. Maraggun, commander of the 19IB, praised the surrenders, highlighting them as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the military, local government units, and communities in promoting peace in Northern Samar.
“These individuals have made the courageous decision to leave behind violence and embrace a peaceful future, where they can contribute positively to their communities,” Lt. Col. Maraggun said. “We welcome them with open arms and are dedicated to supporting their reintegration.”
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), reiterated the government’s commitment to those choosing peace. “We are all Filipinos. Our goal is to reintegrate you into the community and offer a better life in a peaceful environment. This is just the beginning of new opportunities,” he said.
He also commended the 19IB for its efforts in facilitating the reintegration of the former rebels, emphasizing the importance of this surrender in the broader fight against insurgency in Northern Samar.
The 19IB is working closely with local government units to provide immediate cash assistance and other support for the surrenderees. They are currently undergoing processing under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), with debriefing and reconciliation sessions aimed at ensuring their smooth transition back into society. | via Samar Chronicle
