Camp BGen Efigenio C Navarro, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro —A total of 111 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have voluntarily surrendered to the Police Regional Office MIMAROPA since January 2023.

Records reveal that out of 111, 8 are listed in the periodic status report (PSR) and the rest are alleged members, supporters and militiamen.

Further, 53 of the surrenderers have turned themselves in since the assumption of Regional Director PBGEN JOEL B DORIA on March 21 this year.

Among the latest surrenderers is “Ka Carlo,” a former member of Milisyang Bayan (MB) of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Ignacio Calabria Magadia (ICM), SRMA 4D, ISLACOM, Lucio De Guzman Command, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC), who surrendered to the personnel of 1st Platoon, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company at 1st PMFC Headquarters in Brgy. San Isidro, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro on June 19, 2023.

The surrender of “Ka Carlo” was through the relentless efforts of the intelligence unit of Oriental Mindoro PPO, in collaboration with the 203rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, and other partner agencies under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

PBGEN DORIA praised the efforts of the intelligence unit of Oriental Mindoro PPO in collaboration with the AFP, and other partner agencies in the surrender of “Ka Carlo” and other members of the CPP-NPA.

“This is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to end the local communist armed conflict through peaceful means,” said PBGEN DORIA.

“The government’s efforts to end the local communist armed conflict through peaceful means have shown positive results. With the support of the AFP and partner agencies, the government is optimistic that more rebels will surrender and join the country’s journey towards lasting peace and security in the region.” he added.

In a statement, BGEN RANDOLPH G CABANGBANG (PA), 203rd Infantry Brigade, PA Commander, also expressed his confidence in the government’s efforts to end the local communist armed conflict.

“We welcome the surrender of the 111 members of the CPP-NPA, and we are extremely proud of the inter-collaborative efforts of the PNP, AFP, and other partner agencies,” said BGEN CABANGBANG.

“This is a testament to the government’s commitment to end the local armed conflict and its efforts toward lasting peace and development.” he added.

The NTF-ELCAC is an essential component of the government’s peace and development agenda, which aims to address the root causes of insurgency in the country through a whole-of-nation approach.