MANILA – In a significant move towards peace, seventeen former members of communist groups have turned themselves in to authorities in Central Luzon, according to a report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 on Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, the director of PRO Central Luzon, announced that fifteen individuals from the Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid (LMB) under the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) surrendered at 11 a.m. on December 9 in Barangay Bunol, Guimba, Nueva Ecija. The group included members known by the aliases Iza, Bebe, Cindy, Auring, Fidel, Josie, Josa, Juday, Vane, Mayo, Len, Maring, Quel, Roma, and Yolly.
Later that day, at around 2 p.m., a member of the Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL-KMP) using the alias Matwa surrendered at the Pampanga 2nd PMFC in Barangay San Pablo, Sta Ana, Pampanga. Matwa also handed over a rifle grenade during the surrender.
Another member of AMGL-KMP, known as alias Lei, surrendered at 3:45 p.m. in Barangay Consuelo, Macabebe, Pampanga, and turned in 40mm explosive ammunition.
Brig. Gen. Maranan highlighted these surrenders as evidence of the success of collaborative efforts to end insurgency. He stated, ‘These voluntary returns are a testament to the success of our combined efforts to end the insurgency.’
He further emphasized the ongoing support for those wishing to reintegrate into society, saying, ‘We will continue to support those who want to start anew and rejoin our society. PRO 3 remains committed to maintaining peace and security in our region.’
Maranan encouraged other members of these groups to surrender and benefit from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).