Forty four (44) former members of the Bagong Hukbong Bayan and Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police today, July 18, 2016.
Through the peace talks initiated by Santa Ana Municipal Mayor Norberto Gamboa, the said members of the breakaway groups of the New People's Army turned in their selves and some fire arms and lethal weapons in their possession.
Mayor Norberto made the surrender possible by committing that the former rebels shall be enlisted as beneficiaries of the livelihood program(s) of the Sta. Ana municipal government, and assistance on clemency allowing them to return to their home and family despite some (previous) liabilities.
A short turn-over ceremony was conducted at the Executive House, Capitol building, led by PNP Regional Director PCSupt. Aaron Aquino and Provincial Director PSSupt. Rodolfo Recomono Jr., AFP 703rd Infantry Division Commander Lt. Col. Ramil Anoyo, DILG Pampanga Director Myrvi Apostol-Fabia, and Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis Pineda.
Governor Pineda said in an interview that the rebels shall receive assistance from the provincial government as support to them to start a brand new life as law-abiding citizens of the nation.
Gov "Nanay Baby" as well committed that she will not have second thoughts on supporting the actions of the local government units, today of which highlighting the patriotic action of Mayor Gamboa, on fulfilling the major thrusts of her administration to promote the paramount safety of the Kapampangans.
The governor also requested DILG PD Fabia to validate the profiles of the former rebels if they shall be covered by the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the DILG.
The 44 former rebels were from five (5) barangays of Sta. Ana, to wit: Barangays Sto. Rosario, San Roque, San Nicolas, San Agustin and Sta. Maria.