Las navas: Sustained collaboration among government agencies under the whole-of-nation approach has led to the surrender of nine former members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Las Navas, Northern Samar, the Philippine Army said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID) reported that the former rebels voluntarily abandoned the armed struggle and returned to the fold of the law following coordinated efforts by the Philippine Army, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The nine former NPA members were officially presented before the municipal TF-ELCAC of Las Navas on July 10 at the municipal hall, where they also turned over several firearms as a sign of their commitment to return to peaceful civilian life.

Las Navas Mayor John Philbert Tan, chairperson of the town's TF-ELCAC, assured the former rebels of the local government's continued support through financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, and other reintegration programs. "The municipality remains steadfast in helping them rebuild their lives alongside their families and communities," Tan stated in a news release.

According to initial debriefing conducted by the military, prolonged hardship, dwindling food supplies, and declining morale within the armed movement prompted the former rebels to surrender.

The 8ID noted that this development underscores the gains of synchronized security operations, community engagement, and responsive government interventions aimed at addressing insurgency while expanding access to government services in conflict-affected communities.

"The 8th Infantry Division warmly welcomes our fellow Filipinos who have chosen to abandon the armed struggle and return to the fold of the law," the division stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting former rebels through programs that promote healing, livelihood, and lasting peace.

The military also called on remaining members of armed groups to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government reintegration programs, adding that while security forces remain firm in addressing armed threats, they continue to provide opportunities for those willing to return to mainstream society.