LEYTE — The Philippine Army is leveraging the support of former rebels to encourage the surrender of the remaining 26 active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Leyte Island, focusing on reintegration and peace-building measures.
According to Philippines News Agency, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, former NPA rebels and relatives of active members are being involved in initiatives to promote the peaceful surrender of insurgents. In a recent interview with the Philippine News Agency, Vestuir highlighted the Enhanced Local Integration Program which aims to facilitate the reintegration of former rebels by providing them with various benefits. This approach recently saw success in Eastern Samar, leading to the surrender of members from the NPA’s Apoy Platoon.
The effectiveness of these efforts was underscored by a reunion event for 35 former rebels of the NPA’s Island Committee (IC) Levox, held at a beach resort in Merida on August 25. Vestuir noted that this gathering was part of broader efforts to solidify their commitment to peace and normalcy in civilian life.
The continued military operations against remaining NPA members in Leyte have significantly weakened their presence, particularly in the Island Committee Levox, which once operated extensively across the islands of Biliran and Leyte. Earlier military actions this year resulted in the deaths of two prominent NPA leaders, further diminishing the group’s operational capabilities.
Vestuir emphasized the importance of these community and military efforts in achieving lasting peace in Leyte, stating that true peace would only be realized once all NPA members have ceased their armed activities.