20 New People’s Army Members and Supporters Surrender in Central Luzon

In a significant move towards peace, the Philippine National Police announced that 20 individuals associated with the New People’s Army (NPA) turned themselves in to authorities in Central Luzon over a three-day period from January 16 to 18. This surrender was facilitated through the government’s Oplan ‘Balik-Loob’ initiative. The Police Regional Office-Region-Central Luzon (PRO-3) reported that the majority of these surrenders occurred on January 14, with participants from various groups including seven from Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid in Guimba, five from Alyansa ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa in Laur, and two from Bulacan. Alongside their surrender, these former rebels handed over their weapons, ammunition, and explosives to the local police. Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the PRO-3 director and PNP spokesperson, praised the cooperative efforts between police forces and local communities that made these surrenders possible. She also called on other insurgents to abandon their militant activities and start anew. Fajardo emphasized the importance of these surrenders in the broader effort to quell violence and promote peace in the region, encouraging others to take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs. The Oplan Balik-Loob program offers financial assistance, livelihood support, and reintegration services to former rebels, aiming to end local insurgency and foster development in Central Luzon.