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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

NPA rebels in Caraga lay down arms, receive government aid

Several New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in the hinterlands of the Caraga region surrendered to the Philippine Army, turning over a cache of firearms in exchange for cash and livelihood assistance under the government’s reintegration program.

Army 26th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Jose Redentor Gilbuela confirmed the surrender of a regional NPA commander and four members of the Headquarters NPA Revolutionary Command last week.

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The group handed over five firearms, including a Russian-made AK-47 assault rifle, a US-made Colt M653 Carbine rifle, two World War II-era Garand rifles, and an M1 Carbine rifle, along with live ammunition.

The surrendered weapons were sent for evaluation under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The government offers higher payments for well-maintained firearms as part of its reconciliation efforts.

According to the military, the former rebels decided to leave their mountain stronghold and take advantage of the government’s E-CLIP program to reintegrate into society. The surrendered rebels are now undergoing assessments and documentation to formalize their enrollment in E-CLIP.

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