QUEZON, Bukidnon – In a landmark peace event held on Friday, 189 members and supporters of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces in Barangay Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon

Out of the 189 surrenderers, 141 were regular NPA members, 44 Milisyang Bayan members and four were urban operatives.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, the guest of honor and speaker of the event, received the former rebels back into the government’s fold.

He also led the distribution of P5,000 cash assistance and 10 kilograms of rice to each rebel returnee.

The municipal government of Quezon also provided food packs to help them begin their new lives away from the armed struggle.

The returnees also turned over 72 assorted firearms and eight war equipment.

Zubiri also vowed to continue supporting the former rebels through livelihood programs and helping them enroll in Tesda courses to develop their skills.

The senator extended his full support for the peace building efforts in Bukidnon and enticed NPA rebels to give up the armed struggle and reintegrate themselves to mainstream society.

The municipality of Quezon remains the only town in the third district of Bukidnon yet to be officially declared insurgency-free. (The Manila Times)