Police nab 62 NPA rebels, 72 yield

By Connie Calipay

The Police Regional Office in Bicol region (PRO-5) said 62 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were nabbed while 72 have returned to the fold of the law as a result of the government’s retooled community support program from January to May this year.

In an interview, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said during the conduct of internal security operations, 10 died among the 62 rebels arrested.

“In keeping up with its mission of maintaining peace and order, ensuring public safety and internal security, Bicol police remains stern to suppress and wipe off the existence of the NPA in the Bicol region,” Calubaquib said.

The support program, she noted, enabled the Philippine National Police (PNP) to establish a rapport with the rebels and paved the way for encouraging them to mend their ways and begin a new life.

Along with this, PRO-5 also persisted in introducing the whole-of-nation approach embedded under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 to victims of the false ideologies of the rebel group as the organization helps to reintegrate them into mainstream society, Calubaquib said.

Brig. Gen. Mario Reyes, PRO-5 director, said in a statement, “We are certain that through our non-stop operation, we shall be able to further weaken these lawless elements until none of them continue to exist. PRO-5 has done much and shall carry on its efforts to sustain the momentum.” (PNA)