Two more self-confessed members of the New People’s Army surrendered to the 47th Infantry Battalion in southern Negros, bringing to 69 the number of rebels who have abandoned the armed struggle to live a normal life with their families.

Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that while combat operations by the military continues to give physical pressure on the armed group, social pressure will also continue for the choice of a better life in peace.

The two rebel returnees were identified as Randy Jurolan and Johnny Pablo, both residents of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental. They were accompanied by Barangay Captains Elir Borres and Zyrus Debuyan, to the 47th IB.

Lactao said Pablo admitted to have been involved in an encounter with government troopers early this year in Sitio Mag-asawang Bukid, Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City.

He said Pablo was recruited in August 2010 by an alias Pao, who was killed in an encounter with Army soldiers last year, and Ka Bliss, who has also surrendered to the military.

Twenty-six former rebels recently received P50,000 cash as livelihood assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process. That was on top of the financial and livelihood assistance they received from the provincial government of Negros Occidental.

Lactao said he received reports that more rebels are planning to surrender.*GPB

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