More Abra NPA supporters yield; to get gov’t assistance

By Liza Agoot  

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – More New People’s Army (NPA) supporters are yielding to the government and now receiving aid to start a new life.
    Capt. Marnie Abellanida, Information officer of the Police Regional Office Cordillera said a total of 12 Militia ng Bayan voluntarily surrendered with their firearms to the police in Abra on June 22.
    He said those who voluntarily surrendered were identified as alias “Edmar”, 54; “Solo”, 38; “Mandag” 60; “Yaos/Sadem”, 58; “Melvin”, 38; “Bagwis”, 42; “Joker/Lindol”, 38; “Joker”, 42; “Yoyong”, 63; “Ranes”, 35; “Soli”, 54; “Wanti”, 46.
    Abellanida said the 12 surrenderers have been identified as supporters of the Agustin Begnalen Command and Antonio Licawen Command of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) North Abra and KLG Abra, Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur (AMPIS) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
    He said the 12 returnees decided to lay down their arms after series of negotiations initiated by the joint operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division (RID), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB 15), and Abra Provincial Police Office.
    The police officer said the returnees also handed over two M16 rifles with two magazines; two  Cal. 45 pistols with seven bullets; M2 Carbine rifle with serial number 693511 together with one magazine; M1 carbine with one magazine; improvised 7.62 bolt action rifle; STI EDGE caliber .45 pistol with one magazine and four bullets, Smith and Wesson .357 magnum revolver with five bullets; one caliber .45 pistol, one rifle grenade; and improvised 5.56 rifle with one magazine and three bullets.
    He said the 12 are in the custody of the PNP for evaluation, documentation, and processing of their assistance under the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (ECLIP).
    The officer said under the ECLIP, a surrenderee is entitled to immediate assistance, firearms remuneration, and several other government aids that will enable the person to have a much better life compared to one in support of the terrorist movement.
    Former NPA members and Militia ng Bayan (MB) who previously returned to the folds of law in the province of Abra received immediate cash assistance worth P2,000 each and grocery packs in a simple program on June 22 in Manabo, Abra.
    Abellanida said each of the 34 received their immediate assistance amounting to a total of P74,000. The turn-over was witnessed by Manabo Mayor Joana Dumasing and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Myrna Bersalona.