The top military official in the Visayas called on the remaining members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday, August 26, to surrender and follow the path of reconciliation.

Lt. General Fernando Reyeg, Visayas Command commander, made the statement after the death of three NPA members last week.

“If you value your lives and the future of your families, I urge you to lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law while you still have the chance,” Reyeg said, assuring them that the Armed Forces is committed to sustaining peace as they extend their hand of reconciliation.

Reyeg described the remaining NPA fighters as weary with battered morale.

On Saturday, August 24, the 61st Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Spear engaged in a five-minute firefight with the remnants of the NPA groups in Sitio Mapa, Barangay Culyat in Valderama, Antique.

The encounter resulted in the death of an NPA member and the seizure of four M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, two magazines and several rounds of live ammunition.

On August 22, soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion clashed with NPA rebels at Sitio Pisok in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, which led to the death of a vice commanding officer and a political instructor. (PNA)