232 former Maoist rebels renounce fight, pledge loyalty to Philippine government

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Some 232 former Maoist rebels reaffirmed their allegiance to the Philippine government during a peace meeting over the weekend, local media reported on Sunday.

The former rebels were members of the New People's Army (NPA), a Maoist armed group formed in 1969 to overthrow the Philippine government through long-term guerrilla warfare—one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies that has killed thousands.

The rebels renouncing guerrilla fighting comes as the government is holding peace talks with Maoist insurgents in the hopes of reintroducing the militants to society and achieving national peace, local newspaper Philstar reported.

According to Allan Hambala, a Philippine army commander, former NPA members have also pledged to help the government reintegrate the Maoist group's few remaining members on Mindanao, the Philippines' second largest and southern island.

Philippines Presidential Assistant Lagdameo, who oversaw the dialogue at an army headquarters in Davao de Oro province, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome.

“It was a fruitful dialogue,” Army Major Gen. Allan was quoted by the daily as saying. “Presidential Assistant Lagdameo was happy seeing the former rebels complacent with what they have become after their return to the fold of law.”