4 NPAs yield in Abra, N. Ecija

By Freddie Lazaro

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Four New People’s Army rebels surrendered to government troops from the 84th, 91st and 24th Infantry Battalions, all under the command of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division.

7th ID public affairs officer Captain Catherine E. Hapin said that three of the NPA rebels surrendered to 84th IB and 91st IB Dec. 8 while the other one surrendered to 24th IB on Dec. 5.

Two of the rebels voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col. George Bergonia of the 84IB.

The rebel returnees from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, also surrendered several firearms and ammunition.

Another rebel returnee likewise yielded several firearms when he surrendered to the Community Support Program Team of 91IB under Lieutenant Colonel Jose Mari F Torrenueva.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jearie Boy P. Faminial, commander of the army’s 24th IB, welcomed back to the folds of the law Romeo Manganip at their heaquarters in Langangilang, Abra.

Manganip turned over a high-powered rifle and ammuniton.

Hapin guaranteed the safety and security of the rebel returnees.

“They are also provided with assistance while the processing of their benefits from the government is ongoing,” she said.

Major General Felimon T. Santos Jr., the commander of the Army’s 7th ID welcomed the surrender of the rebels who heeded his call to surrender to the government and be with their families this Christmas.

He also commended the units of 7ID for the effective dissemination of E-CLIP rebel returnee program.