Compostela, Compostela Valley Province — In response to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to address the insurgency problem in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, have been doubling their efforts in dismantling armed groups and encouraging them to go back to the folds of law.
With this, the 66th Infantry (Kabalikat) Battalion, headed by Lt. Col. Palmer Parungao, facilitated a 3 day live-in Seminar on March 25-27, 2018 at Municipal Gymnasium, Poblacion, Compostela, Compostela Valley Province. More than 600 former members of Underground Mass Organization, supporters and sympathizers of CPP/NPA/NDF have participated.
Bearing the theme, “Tama nga Pag-giya ug Pagpakabana sa Katawhan Maoy Dalan sa Panaghiusa aron Makab-ot ang Kalinaw ug Kalamboan,” the seminar aims to spread awareness on the programs of the local government units and local government agencies for its people. Also, to cleanse the minds of the said surenderees of communist ideologies through re-orientation process.
Worried of her children’s future, Rose (not her real name), surrender herself to clear her name off the list.
“Ako sa kaniadto, nakapakaon ko sa mga NPA. Mao nay problema nga nia ko karon tungod kay ang akong anak duha, puros na nakahuman og college. Registered criminologist na sila. Ang akong gikabalak-an kung dili ko musuporta niining programa sa gobyerno ug programa sa atong president, basin masablay ang pagpangaply sa kong mga anak sa tanang departamento nga gusto nila applyan.”
In her speech, Mayor Lema Bolo congratulated the surenderees in their decision to denounce their allegiance to the New People’s Army.
“Kaninyong tanan congratulations gyud no nga naa mo karon dinhi. Niapil mo, niduyog mo. Atong isalikway ang mga taga pikas; ang ilahang mga panghuna-huna nga gidusok sa inyong mga utok nga dili maayo,” the mayor said.
Mayor Bolo headed the oath-taking and closing ceremony, which was culminated by a peace rally. Meanwhile, on behalf of LtC. Parungao, Major Richard Duculan, (INF) PA, Executive Officer of 66th IB, delivered his message. He cited that cooperation of everyone is important in attaining peace and development in the community.
“Mga kapatid maraming paraan sa ating buhay kung gusto nating ayusin ang buhay natin. Kailangang sumuporta kayo sa gobyerno natin, kung gusto niyong makamit ang unity, peace and development sa ating lugar.”
On the same day, a simultaneous Mindanao-wide peace rally was also held at different cities in Mindanao. (Sheldane Mahinay / ID ComVal)
