ORMOC CITY – Government soldiers have recovered a firearm cache of the New People’s Army (NPA) following the revelation of former rebels in the hinterlands of Eastern Samar on June 22.
With the help of former members of Apoy Platoon under the Sub-Regional Committee SESAME, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, soldiers from the 78th Infantry Battalion successfully unearthed one (1) M16 rifle with one (1) magazine and nine (9) rounds of ammunition in Barangay Limbujan, Gen. MacArthur, Eastern Samar.
Project “APOY” or Advocating Programs that promote reconciliation in Optimizing gains, and Yielding to peace and unity, was launched in Borongan City on June 10, with 23 surrendered members of Apoy Platoon in attendance.
The former rebels organized themselves to become peace advocates, convincing their remaining comrades to peacefully surrender through the ‘Brigade’s Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families’ or FReE Families program
Lt. Col. Joseph Bugaoan, 78th Infantry Battalion commander, expressed his gratitude to the former rebels who gave information on the location of the cache.
Bugaoan added that the successful recovery of the firearm manifests the former rebels’ genuine support for peace and their confidence in helping the government end the local armed conflict.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, 802nd Infantry Brigade commander, reiterates his call to the remaining NPAs in Samar and Leyte islands to lay down their arms and live a productive life in the mainstream society.
“Come down from the mountains and join your former comrades who are already enjoying the fruits of their freedom and have already chosen the path of peace. They are the living proof that a peaceful life with your families and loved ones in mainstream society is possible,” Vestuir said. (8ID)
