LEGAZPI CITY - A total of 11 New People's Army (NPA) rebels operating under the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) voluntarily surrendered on Wednesday and were received by the Area Police Command-Southern Luzon (APC-SL) in Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City.

In a report, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson, said the surrender was witnessed by Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, APC-SL deputy commander and Maj. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento, APC-SL acting commender, during a short program held at APC-SL headquarters.

"They (rebels) also surrendered the firearms, ammunition, and assorted war materials that were in their possession," the report said.

The voluntary surrender of the insurgents was a result of the intensified joint efforts of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The former rebels are now undergoing debriefing and documentation that will allow authorities to facilitate the granting of their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

During the ceremony, the former rebels took their oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag and renounced their support for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) by burning the CPP-NPA flag.

In his message, Armamento emphasized the willingness of the government to welcome rebels who want to return to the fold of the law.

He also noted the importance of acceptance and forgiveness from both sides of the government and former rebels to be able to take a leap on the government's agenda towards lasting peace and progress.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also identified the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as "an integral and inseparable part" of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973. (PNA)