IBA, Zambales – At least 25 strong members and sympathizers of the rebel group movement Marxist-Lenninist Party of the Philippines-Rebulosyonaryong Hukbong Bayan (MLPP-RHB) surrendered to government authorities on Easter Sunday, police said.
Senior Supt. Rolando B. Felix, Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) director, said that rebels who surrendered are reportedly residents of barangays Babangcal, Pamibian and Taposo in Candelaria town this province. He said the leaders have yet to surrender.
Felix identified them as Mystica Flores-Ednave; Candelaria Ecalnir; Fernan Ejan; Samuel Ebalobo; Samuel Ednilao; Eduardo Blanco; Carlo Eclarino; Felicito Kempis; Crisostomo Echon; Glen H. de Guzman; Rosario Austria; Rosario E. Elayda; Arnel Eala; Paquito Ebilane; Manuel Ednalig; Tirso Egalla; Rudy Elago; Joey Ebal; Jimson Sanchez; Alfredo Buccat; Joseph Bucat; Tirso Buccat; Melvin Echon and Larry Mipa.
Felix said the group reportedly decided to surrender after experiencing hardships in the movement and upon learning that the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Amor Deloso have renewed commitment on the “rebel returnee” program.
Dubbed as “Pakikiisa Para Sa Kapayapaan Upang Umusad ang Pag-unlad ng Bayan,” the project is expected “to enhance acceptance and return to the folds of the law all card bearing members of the rebel movement,” Felix also said in his statement.
Also in a separate statement Deloso, who graced the formal surrender and oath-of- allegiance rites held at Candelaria Central School, said that the peace efforts by government in the province is aimed at encouraging various insurgents including their supporters to return to normal life and follow democratic processes.
“This is because it is only in a unified and peaceful community that Zambales can attain economic development and prosperity,” he said.
“Ang kaunlaran ay makakamit lamang kapag ang katahimikan ay naghahari sa lipunan at sa ating kapaligiran,” Deloso added.
Deloso also assured the surrenderees that their papers will be processed which will be the basis for clearance for availing the Social Integration Program.
The group’s surrender is the second biggest number recorded in the province. In 1981, some 300 New People’s Army members surrendered at Masinloc town.
Senior Supt. Rolando B. Felix, Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) director, said that rebels who surrendered are reportedly residents of barangays Babangcal, Pamibian and Taposo in Candelaria town this province. He said the leaders have yet to surrender.
Felix identified them as Mystica Flores-Ednave; Candelaria Ecalnir; Fernan Ejan; Samuel Ebalobo; Samuel Ednilao; Eduardo Blanco; Carlo Eclarino; Felicito Kempis; Crisostomo Echon; Glen H. de Guzman; Rosario Austria; Rosario E. Elayda; Arnel Eala; Paquito Ebilane; Manuel Ednalig; Tirso Egalla; Rudy Elago; Joey Ebal; Jimson Sanchez; Alfredo Buccat; Joseph Bucat; Tirso Buccat; Melvin Echon and Larry Mipa.
Felix said the group reportedly decided to surrender after experiencing hardships in the movement and upon learning that the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Amor Deloso have renewed commitment on the “rebel returnee” program.
Dubbed as “Pakikiisa Para Sa Kapayapaan Upang Umusad ang Pag-unlad ng Bayan,” the project is expected “to enhance acceptance and return to the folds of the law all card bearing members of the rebel movement,” Felix also said in his statement.
Also in a separate statement Deloso, who graced the formal surrender and oath-of- allegiance rites held at Candelaria Central School, said that the peace efforts by government in the province is aimed at encouraging various insurgents including their supporters to return to normal life and follow democratic processes.
“This is because it is only in a unified and peaceful community that Zambales can attain economic development and prosperity,” he said.
“Ang kaunlaran ay makakamit lamang kapag ang katahimikan ay naghahari sa lipunan at sa ating kapaligiran,” Deloso added.
Deloso also assured the surrenderees that their papers will be processed which will be the basis for clearance for availing the Social Integration Program.
The group’s surrender is the second biggest number recorded in the province. In 1981, some 300 New People’s Army members surrendered at Masinloc town.
