In a significant move towards peace, two members of the New People’s Army’s underground mass organization (UGMO) have turned themselves in to the police in Paranas, Samar. The surrender took place on Thursday and was facilitated by Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad of the Police Regional Office 8 in Eastern Visayas. The event, occurring just before Christmas, is seen as a hopeful sign of renewal and a testament to the government’s ongoing efforts to foster peace and development in the region.
The individuals, identified only by their aliases ‘Benben,’ a 54-year-old farmer, and ‘Sammy,’ a 44-year-old construction worker, both hail from Burong village in Calbiga, Samar. They chose to surrender at the 2nd Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd SPMFC) located in Pabanog village, Paranas.
Brig. Gen. Cumigad emphasized the importance of their surrender, stating that it reflects a growing trust in the government’s commitment to peace and progress. He noted that the voluntary surrender of these UGMO members sends a powerful message of hope and signifies a turning point as they choose a path towards peace and development.
Following their surrender, ‘Benben’ and ‘Sammy’ underwent debriefing and are currently under the custody of the 2nd SPMFC. They have also received cash assistance and grocery items from the police unit as part of their reintegration into society.
The UGMOs are part of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA’s strategy to infiltrate open sectoral organizations and alliances to support their armed and terrorist activities. This surrender is a blow to their operations and a step forward in the fight against insurgency.