4 ranking rebels yield guns to authorities

CEBU, Philippines - Four ranking New People's Army rebels have surrendered with their guns and ammunitions to authorities, the military said the other day.

Two of them were identified as alias "Hassim," vice commander of the Igabon Platoon of the Central Front of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay (KR-P) and wife, alias "Inday," who served as the medical officer of the same unit. The couple surrendered last July 11 and surrendered a hand grenade and a rifle grenade to the military.

The two others, identified as alias "Terso," a political guide of the same NPA unit, and alias "Allan," squad leader of Baking of the same platoon, surrendered last July 20 and turned over a hand grenade, a .38-caliber revolver with six live ammunitions and .357-cal. revolver with three live ammunitions.

All four former rebels (FRs) were residents of Jamindan town in Capiz. The military said Inday was with the NPA movement for six years while the three others had spent nine years of their lives with the group.

Military officials said the FRs will receive cash from the AFP's Guns for Peace Program, which give cash in exchange of the surrendered firearms in the name of peace. 

Under the program, which was launched last April, P200,000 cash will be paid for a light machine gun, P60,000 for an M-14 rifle, P50,000 for a Colt M-16 rifle and P 40,000 for M-203 grenade launcher. The firearms remuneration package will support the FRs to start a new life for their families, the military said.

In addition, the FRs can also avail themselves of other government programs, such as TESDA-accredited skills training, livelihood programs and immediate cash assistance from a local government unit.

Lieutenant Col. Christopher Sab-it, commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion, said the recent surrender of the four rebels was a big blow to the communist movement. Last year, 13 NPA rebels in Panay island surrendered while in the first semester of this year, a total of 28 members of the KR-P yielded to the military, he said.

"The four NPA rebels decided to go down because they have been thinking about their families especially the future of their children. This is aside from the pressure brought by sustained military combat operations and the difficulties that they have been experiencing in the mountains," said Sab-it.

Brigadier Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said: "Our arms are always open for peace. We welcome and help those who choose to live in peace. Just like our four long-lost brothers and sister, we will always welcome other NPA rebels who want to go down and live normally. We are always willing to help and assist you for the better future of your families."  (FREEMAN)