DAVAO CITY - Thirty-one former New People's Army (NPA) members who had surrendered to military forces were presented to local officials in Davao de Oro on Wednesday. In a statement Thursday, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Babac of the Army's 1001st Brigade lauded the surrender of the 24 regular NPA members and seven Milisyang Bayan supporters as part of the government's peace-building efforts. Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala of the 10th Infantry Division also praised the rebels' decision to abandon the armed struggle. "The road to peace is not an easy one, but leading the path of peace and reconciliation is a journey worth choosing," Babac said. Meanwhile, Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga reaffirmed the province's commitment to providing livelihood support and reintegration services under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). 'We stand with you as you embark on this new journey. Let this day mark the beginning of a brighter and more hopeful future for you and all the people of Davao de Oro,' sh e said. Source: Philippines News agency