| Written by Arnold Casalatan,
on 12-07-2007 14:04
|
Views : 380  |
Favoured : 11 |
Published in : The News, Police Files |
Tags : brigade, 101st, army, pajarito, zamboangadelnorte, zamboangadelnorte, pinan, FC “SENDONG”, 10th IB., “RSGD1”, NPA, rebel returnees, Yebes, governor, HPFAs, insurgency, Commanding General, |
Del Pilar, Pinan, ZDN – Twelve (12) NPA rebel returnees who denounced their allegiance and sympathy to the communist terrorist movement have voluntarily surrendered with three (3) HPFAs to the government recently. They were presented by Col Irineo C Espino, Commanding Officer of the 101st Infantry Brigade to MGen Nehemias G Pajarito, Commanding General, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army during a simple Ceremony held at Hqs 101st Infantry Brigade, 1ID, PA, Barangay Del Pilar, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte last July 5, 2007.
The highlight of the said activity was the formal acceptance of the rebel returnees and their firearms by MGen Pajarito and giving of cash assistance to the former NPA members. The oath of allegiance to the government by the rebel returnees was administered by Hon. Rolando E Yebes, Provincial Governor of Zamboanga del Norte and Hon Loreto Leo S Ocampos, Provincial Governor of Misamis Occidental. The rebel returnees who surrendered their firearms availed the DND-AFP “Balik-BARIL” program where each firearm has corresponding amount depending on its serviceability. The rebel returnees were identified as: Gregorio B Ogoc @ Martin, member of Team “Baking”, “SDG” Platoon, FC “JOJI” and a resident of Barangay Kinuman Norte, Ozamis City, surrendered to 10th IB; Carlito A Lubayan @ Bobong, member of “RSDG1”, a resident of Sitio Galleon, Barangay Guibo, Siayan, ZDN surrendered to 18th IB; Rey A Ansanal @ Potot, member of SSC “FLX A”, of Brgy Guibo, Siayan, ZDN, surrendered to 18th IB; Joel B Antugon @ Roldan, member of “RSDG1”, of Sitio Galleon, Barangay Guibo, Siayan, ZDN, surrendered to 10th IB; Rodel G Bongcawel @ Bulls, member of FC “Sendong”, of Brgy Locus, Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental surrendered to 55th IB; Satchie G Bongcawel @ Irene, younger sister of @ Bulls, surrendered to 55th IB; Matias L Marino Jr @ Jojo, member of FC “SENDONG”, surrendered to 55th IB; Aguilar E Mandaw @ JBoy, a Subanen, of Barangay Lucos, Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental, member of FC “SENDONG”, surrendered to 55th IB; Julie E Mandaw @ Jonathan, younger brother of @ JBoy, surrendered to 55th IB; Charmie S Florida @ Elgie/Divine, member of “RSGD1”, of Barangay Sicot, Tangub City, surrendered to 55th IB; Virgilia A Baran @ Judy, member of “RSDG2” from Barangay San Isidro, San Miguel, ZDS, surrendered to 5th IB; Robert Praylis @ ROY, member of FC “JOJI”, from Canibungan, Carin, Misamis Occidental, surrendered to 5th IB and Edwin Sumibay @ Jimboy member of FC “SENDONG” from Poblacion, Don Victoriano Chiongbian, MIsamis Occidental, surrendered to 10th IB.The former NPA rebels revealed that they returned to the folds of the law for the reason that they felt the sincerity of the government in pursuing peace with the rebels. Accordingly, they are already tired running and evading the pursuing government troops. ”Our sustenance is a big problem while we are in the mountains. We often experience hunger and fatigue while our ranking leaders enjoy bountiful lives with their families.” they quipped.In his remarks,Col Espino said “…insurgency is a great hindrance to progress and development. If there is insurgency, there will be no peace, and if there is no peace, no progress and development can be achieved especially in the hinterlands where the communists had continuously threatened our people. He added that fighting insurgency is everybody’s business. Each and every one of us dreams of having a violence-free community worthy to live in. With our concerted efforts, let us make this dream a reality. “Sa ating mga kapatid na nagbalik sa lilim ng demokrasya, kayo ay malugod naming tinatang-gap sa inyong pagbabalik-loob. Kami ay natutuwa dahil nagising kayo sa katotohanan na ang isinu-sulong na karahasan ng CPP/NPA ay walang patutu-nguhan. Sa inyong pagbalik sa demokrasya, kaming lahat na nandirito ngayon, ay ka-agapay ninyo sa inyong pagbabagong-buhay”, Col Espino concluded. Major General Pajarito in his message as the keynote speaker emphasized that the Rebel Returnees’ program is part and parcel of the National Program for Unification and Development (NUPD), under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) thru the DND-AFP “Balik BARIL” projects. The NUPD has the mandate to provide socio-economic assistance for the reconciliation, reintegration, and rehabilitation of former rebels into mainstream society. Gen.Pajarito, urged the rebel returnees to use the amount of money in any lawful income generating activity that could bring benefits to their respective families. He also added that the military is always open for those who want to come down from the hills and live a peaceful life within the mainstream of society. Also present during the activity were Hon Rolando E Yebes, Governor of ZDN, Hon Loreto Leo S Ocampos, Governor of Misamis Occidental, Battalion Commanders of 5th IB, 10th IB and 55th IB, PNP personnel, Local Media Practitioners of ZDN and Misamis Occidental, other officers and enlisted personnel of the 101st Infantry Brigade.
Last update : 13-01-2008 12:19
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