160 ex-rebels take oath of allegiance in Sorsogon
- Bicolmail Web Admin
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
By Benilda Recebido
SORSOGON CITY --- At least 160 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) took an oath of allegiance to the government in Sorsogon City.
Sorsogon Provincial Administrator Franco Eric Ravanilla announced on Thursday (Nov. 21) that these former communist rebels, who have surrendered, came from various towns in Sorsogon.
Police Major Irvin Bellen of the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Sorsogon Police Provincial Office (SorPPO) said that those who took the oath also surrendered firearms and materials used for making explosive devices.
The surrendered items included 23 M16 rifles, six shotguns, two grenade launchers, two KG9 firearms, 11 .45 caliber pistols, 16 .38 caliber pistols, a rifle grenade, a revolver, 29 pieces of 400 Pentex boosters, and 250 non-electrical plastic cups, among other explosive materials.
Bellen noted that the turnover of these items is regarded as a significant achievement in reducing the operational capability of the remaining communist terrorist groups in the province.
During the oath-taking ceremony, government agencies provided support to the former rebels as they began to rebuild their lives.
Eleven received financial grants of P100,000 each, while 30 were given tool kits from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to start livelihood activities.
Additionally, 30 received safe conduct passes from the Local Amnesty Board, and others were awarded scholarship vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
“These interventions are part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, ensuring former rebels have access to aid and livelihood opportunities,” said Police Major Arwin Destacamento.
One former rebel expressed gratitude for the government’s support, saying, “They welcomed us with open arms and treated us with dignity.”
Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr., police director for the Bicol region, highlighted the unity of government agencies in supporting the program, emphasizing that this aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of national unity and reconciliation.
“Your decision to lay down your arms is a victory for the entire province—for every parent, every farmer, and every child who can now dream without fear,” he said. (Bertuldo Jr Bueza contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)
