THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has recorded 192 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who have surrendered to different units within its area of responsibility since June 1st of this year.
Major Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for EastMinCom, told reporters during Wednesday’s Davao Peace and Security press briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel that a total of 192 NPA members surrendered between June 1st and October 7th.
“These 192 individuals surrendered, and immediately after, they undergo evaluation and receive immediate cash assistance from the LGUs where they are enrolled in a program,” Evangelista said.
“Not only cash assistance, but there are also social interventions provided by the government to the surrenderees,” she added.
Evangelista said EastMinCom hopes that more guerrilla fronts will be dismantled as they intensify focused military operations, particularly in the area of the 4th Infantry Division.
She noted that the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee and the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, particularly in the Caraga region, are operating within the 4th ID’s area.
“As an update, last week the NPA manpower was at 269, but as of this date, it has decreased by 23 individuals, so we presently have 246 individuals,” she added.
“For firearms, we previously had 286, but now it’s down to 268.”
She explained that the decreasing numbers are based on intelligence and that there is a process for removing individuals and firearms from the count.
“Through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in partnership with local government units and line government agencies, programs continue to be provided to the surrenderees to prepare them for their return to mainstream society,” she further said.
File photo by Bing Gonzales
