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.
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.