By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following months of localized peace talks and negotiations, 25 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in the mountainous areas of Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto, and San Carlos City surrendered Saturday morning to members of the Philippine Army 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB), 6th Special Action Battalion-Special Action Force, along with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay Bato, Sagay City.

The surrender was commemorated with a ceremony, which included the handover of various high-powered firearms and other war materials to 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Colonel Benedict Arevalo; and NOPPO director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros.

The event was also witnessed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) north cluster head, Ma. Fatima Daiz.

The former rebels also took an oath of allegiance during the ceremony, affirming their peaceful return to mainstream society.

79IB commander, Lt. Colonel Emelito Thaddeus Logan, said barangay officials played an important role in urging rebels to give up violence.

The Army also recognized the efforts by the said officials, especially their support for localized peace talks, which were initiated by the 303rd Brigade last November.

The 79IB added, the former rebels will receive benefits from the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Arevalo, in his message, encouraged other NPA members to follow their comrades who have already returned to “the folds of law.”/DGB, WDJ