16 NPA rebels surrender to Zamboanga Sibugay troops

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A security official said 16 members of the New People’s Army surrendered over the weekend to military forces in Imelda town, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The rebels, a regular fighter and 15 "mass-based" members, surrendered and turned over two shotguns and a.45-cal pistol to Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade on Saturday.

Capt. Clint  Antipala, acting spokesman of the 1st Infantry Division, said the 15 ‘militia ng bayan’ members had been operating in and are residents of Barangay Balagon in Siay town.

He said the surrender of the rebels was facilitated by Siay Mayor Jarvis Acosta with the coordination of Lt. Col. Jonathan Obena, commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion.

RELATED: 50 ex-NPA rebels complete TESDA course in Misamis Occidental

Reintegration program for former rebels

The military said the rebels pledged their loyalty to the government after learning about the localized reintegration program extended by the government.

Gaerlan said they will assist those who surrendered in enrolling under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

He said the program will ensure that the former rebels will be taught technical skills to assist them in their livelihood.

Att least 50 former NPA rebels completed their technical skills last week and earned their National Certification II (NC) certificate provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Plaridel town, Misamis Occidental.