OPLAN PANAGSUBLI

SEVENTY-two former NPA regulars in Umingan town surrendered to the government through the Oplan Panagsubli program of the Provincial Task Force to end Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF – ELCAC) in a ceremony held on August 12 at the Provincial Agriculture Field Office in Barangay San Gonzalo in San Quintin town.

According to Pangasinan Police Provincial Director, P/Col. Redrico A. Maranan, the surrender of the former rebels was the result of the government’s perseverance to achieve peace largely through the combined efforts of the  Pangasinan PNP and other government agencies following guidelines set by the E.O. 70 that outlines a whole-of-nation’s approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Maranan told the returnees that their new challenge is to encourage their former comrades to return to the fold of government.

The 72 returnees are the second batch of surrendered rebels. The first batch comprised of 26 former rebels from Mabini town.

The highlights of the processing and turnover included a pledge to work with the authorities to maintain peace and order in the community, and the declaration that the NPA and other leftist groups as persona non grata for the suppression of terrorism in the province.

As new members of the Carayungan South Farmers Association and the South Farmers Association, the returnees were provided rice and two units hand tractors, tilapia fingerlings and seedlings to help them start new livelihood.

P/ Brig. General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., police regional director, cited the return of the former rebels as proof of the harmonious collaboration among PNP, branches of the Armed Forces and community to maintain peace and order.

Addressing the returnees, he underscored the effective cooperation among government agencies to ensure that basic needs of returnees are met, from education, livelihood and equal rights for justice.

He added that the return of the 72 former rebels should encourage their former comrades to start a new life and help maintain peace and order for the full development of the nation.

He confirmed that Pangasinan is insurgency-free and cited the development particularly in the eastern towns, arising from it.

Turning to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he cited its positive effect on the peace and order, particularly, the 50% drop in crime rate in the region.

Also present was the official of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Pangasinan President and Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director Nathaniel Lacambra who promised to help process the livelihood showcase for returnees and TESDA Provincial Office for education and training to help improve the skills of returnees. (Nora Dominguez)

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