72 NPAs surrender in Pangasinan town

By Venus May H. Sarmiento

SAN QUINTIN, Pangasinan -- The government welcomed 72 rebel returnees and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army from this eastern town in a simple ceremony during launch of "Oplan Panagsubli" 2.0 on Wednesday.

"Oplan Panagsubli," is one of the programs of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) which aims to convince rebels to support and take side with the government and to sustain Pangasinan’s present situation as insurgency-free.

Said rebel returnees and supporters were affiliated into two groups: the Carayungan South Farmers Association led by their President Eddie Lacasandile and the South Farmers Association led by Leticia Aban.

During the event, Police Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., regional director for Police Regional Office 1, extended his appreciation to the rebel returnees and supporters who returned to the government side.

“Bilang mga makabayang mamamayang Pilipino, ating pakatandaan na ang pagkakaisa at kapayapaan ng sambayanan ang daan tungo sa maunlad na kinabukasan ng bayan. Naniniwala ako na mananatili ang kapayapaan kung tayo ay magkakaisa at makikipagtulungan sa pamahalaan. Gamitin ninyo ang pagkakataong ito upang magbagong-buhay, magtrabaho ng malinis at sumunod sa batas,” he said.

Gov. Amado Espino III, who was represented by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro, said the program is the start of the inclusive integration for the former rebels to live normal lives in the community.

“Nais ipabatid ng ating Gobernador na taos puso ang kanyang suporta sa ating mga kababayan na nagsusulong ng mga program upang maging produktibong mamamayan ng Pangasinan,” said Col. Oro

The activity was highlighted by the granting of benefits and commitment of local government units and national government agencies to the rebel returnees and supporters which include: agricultural equipment (two units hand tractors, water pumps, 20 backpacks of farm liquid sprayer); 20 trays of assorted vegetables; pasteurized milk; 30 sacks of rice; livelihood provisions such as fertilizers, tilapia fingerlings, hybrid seeds, fruit-bearing trees; and personal protective equipment against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

They also received financial assistance on top of the scholarship grants on livelihood programs, PhilHealth membership and the privileges of free men.

Former rebel and now  Carayungan South Farmers Association President Lacasandile expressed his gratitude and support to the government.

“Kami ay nangangako  na kami ay tutulong sa lahat ng programa para sa kaayusan at kapayapaan sa Pangasinan,” said Lacasandile.

Also present during the event were 6th District Rep. Tyrone Agabas, several mayors, and regional and provincial directors of various government agencies.

"Panagsubli" is an Ilocano term which means "return."

The first "Oplan Panagsubli" was held in  November  2019 where 26 former rebels from western Pangasinan returned to the government. (JCR/AMB/ VHS/PIA Pangasinan with reports from Philippine Army and provincial government)