Army Official to NPA Rebels: Surrender, Live a Normal Life

An army official of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army’s 502nd Brigade based in Echague town has called on New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to surrender and live a normal life.

B/Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, 502nd Brigade commander made the call a day after an encounter of the government troops with the rebels at barangay San Miguel in Echague, Isabela where various firearms and ammunitions including explosives and medical supplies were recovered after the firefight.

Bartolome said the government has Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) which responds to the circumstances, needs and concerns of former rebels through provision of assistance and seeks to consider their basic rights and situations as men and women.

He added that under the revitalized program, former rebels and their dependents will enjoy the downpour of more benefits. Among them is the increase of reintegration assistance from P7,000 to P21,000. It will also retain the existing CLIP’s P15,000 immediate assistance and P50,000 livelihood assistance.

Firearms remuneration will also be doubled depending on the weapon’s condition upon surrender. The cost valuation, based on the implementing guidelines and procedures for the disposition of firearms, explosives, and ammunition, issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government, will be “based on the standard price ceiling set for a particular kind, caliber and make of firearm and its condition upon turn in”.

Bartolome said the 502nd Brigade is supporting the localized peace talks to ensure peace in the localities and avert clashes and help in the surrender of rebels. (MDCT/MGE/ PIA 2 – Isabela)