PNP assures rebel returnees of safe passage

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas has given assurance of safe passage to communist rebels who want to surrender.

“This is the PNP’s way of extending its arms of acceptance to any NPA (New People’s Army) member who wish to be with their family and return to the fold of the law even if the government has declared no ceasefire with communist terrorists,” Sinas said yesterday.

He cited a certain Aman in Leyte, who told police he decided to surrender after learning that his former comrades are now living with their families.

Sinas said a certain Ricky of the NPA’s Bicol regional party committee surrendered in Barangay Ibinigay in Masbate City on Friday. The former rebel also  turned over a .45-caliber pistol.

Taking their cue from President Duterte, the police and military said they would not declare a holiday ceasefire with communist rebels.

The President said there would be no ceasefire and peace negotiations with communist rebels during the remaining years of his term.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said it would not also call a holiday ceasefire with state security forces.

The CPP said it has given the green light to the NPA to carry out tactical offensives against state troopers.