By CESAR JOLITO III
The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army has renewed its call for remaining insurgents in Negros Island to abandon armed struggle and return to the government, stressing that decades of insurgency have only caused suffering and hindered development in local communities.
According to 3ID Public Affairs Office chief Jessie Jun Ebalan, the more than 50-year armed campaign of the New People’s Army has resulted in loss of lives and fear among residents, particularly in rural areas.
Ebalan urged rebel remnants to return to the “fold of the law” and take advantage of government programs that help former insurgents rebuild their lives.
He said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. welcomes rebels who sincerely wish to surrender, noting that the government provides various forms of assistance to help them reintegrate into society.
Under the government’s whole-of-nation approach through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), former rebels may avail themselves of an amnesty program and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
The program offers financial aid, livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, skills training, and psychosocial support.
Government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are also working with local government units and security forces to ensure the effective reintegration of former rebels.
Over 400 rebels surrendered
Since the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, more than 400 rebels on Negros Island have surrendered, while over 4,000 former supporters have withdrawn their backing from the insurgency, Ebalan said.
He noted that these figures represent a significant reduction in the strength of communist insurgent groups operating on the island.
Despite the progress made under the ELCAC initiative, the military said it will continue operations against armed groups that persist in threatening communities.
Ebalan said recent violent incidents targeting civilians, including women and the elderly, demonstrate what he described as the desperation of insurgents trying to regain influence in areas where residents no longer support them.
Speaking on behalf of 3ID commander Michael Samson, Ebalan also urged residents, local officials and security forces to work together to end insurgent activities and secure lasting peace and stability in communities across Negros./CJ, WDJ