Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday announced that 20 members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to authorities between January 16 and 18 under the government’s Oplan “Balik-Loob” program. This program aims to encourage insurgents to return to peaceful civilian life.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office-Region-Central Luzon (PRO-3) indicated that the majority of these surrenders occurred on January 14. Among those who surrendered were seven individuals from the Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid in Guimba, five from the Alyansa ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa in Laur, and two from Bulacan. In addition to surrendering themselves, the NPA members and their supporters handed over firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials to local police forces.

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the PRO-3 director and PNP spokesperson, praised the joint efforts of police units and local communities in facilitating the surrenders. She urged remaining insurgents to abandon their activities and focus on rebuilding their lives. “These yields highlight our relentless efforts to end violence and foster peace in Central Luzon. We encourage others to embrace the government’s reintegration programs and choose a peaceful, productive path,” Fajardo stated in a news release.

The Oplan Balik-Loob program offers financial aid, livelihood support, and reintegration services to former rebels, aiming to end local insurgency and promote peace and development in Central Luzon.