Acorda

19 NPA members in Caraga yield to Acorda

December 27, 2023 Alfred P. Dalizon 456 views

AT least 19 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday surrendered to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. during ceremonies held at the Police Regional Office 13 in Butuan City.

PRO13 director, Brigadier Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft said the 19 belong to a platoon of ex-NPA guerrillas whom he described as ‘Friends Rescued’ after they withdrew their support to the rebel movement and pledged allegiance to the government.

Acorda welcomed the 19 back to the folds of the law and they laid down their arms.

The 19 were composed of six Periodic Status Report (PSR) listed and 13 non-PSR listed rebel personalities who abandoned the Guerilla Front 4A and Guerilla Front 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee; Guerilla Front 8 and Guerilla Front 14 of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee; and Guerilla Front 34 and Sub-Regional Committee 4 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee said Brig. Gen. Kraft.

The ex-rebels received gift packs and grocery supplies from the PRO13 and Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga.

“I applaud the bravery of our former rebels who have decided to embrace a new life under the blessings of our democratic ideals. Rest assured that the Philippine National Police will assist you as you embark on this new chapter of your life,” said Kraft.

The surrender of the 19 was made possible through the combined efforts of all members of the Regional Task Force-Effort to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Regional/Provincial/Municipal peace and order councils, local government units, the community, and all stakeholders to suppress the local communist armed conflict in the region, he added.

Coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Acorda flew to Butuan City at the same time to witness the demilitarization of 178 firearms surrendered by the former rebels.

The demilitarized firearms were composed of 117 long firearms, 36 short firearms, 13 crew-served weapons, and 12 sub-machine guns. Of the total figure, 100 firearms came from the surrenderers in Agusan del Sur, 49 from Surigao del Norte, and 29 from Agusan del Norte.

“This activity ensures that no one shall use these weapons for crimes and illegal activities or to cause harm and wreak havoc on the peace-loving Caraganons,” said Kraft.

“This move reflects our success in the aggressive fight against terrorism as we continue to gain grounds, posing their nearest downfall,” Acorda said in his speech during the program.

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