Twenty rebel returnees presented to guv

CEBU, Philippines – Former members of rebel groups in Danao City and Tuburan town were presented to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday at the Capitol Social Hall after their surrender.

Top officials of the country’s military forces presented 15 former members of the New People’s Army and another five on the list of the military’s Order of Battle. 

Lt. Col. Raymundo Bañares, the commanding officer of the 78th Infantry Battalion based in Balamban town, said that the surrender is a “great manifestation” of the public’s renewed confidence in the military, the police, and the government.

Bañares said the former rebels returned to the seat of the government in various dates from January to March of this year.

He also encouraged other active rebels in the hinterlands to follow the same act and return to the folds of the law and reform their lives.

“Ang hakbang na inyong ginawa ngayon ay nagpapatunay lamang ng inyong pagtalima sa panawagan ng ating pamahalaan na tayong lahat ay magkaisa at magsama-sama para sa ikauunlad ng ating bansa,” Major Gen. Arthur Tabaquero of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

“It is also our hope that this historic event will encourage those who are still harbouring the thought of joining the underground movement to come out in the open and be one with us,” Tabaquero added.

Gov. Garcia said the rebel returnees made the right choice when they decided to return to the seat of the government.

She also said that the decision of the rebel returnees simply showed that the people, particularly in the remote areas, have started to believe and trust again in the government and the authorities.

The rebel returnees from Danao City are Santos Castro, Ranilo Quimbo, Alberto Lawas, Sergio Lauron, Narciso Tapia, Alejandro Camance, Aurelio Botilla, Merlinda Boter, Edgar Bueno, Juanito Alerta, Joel Abendan, Gilbert Lato, Lyndon Geracain, Roel Landero, Jessie Gomez, Roger Castro, Eduardo Camaongay, and Benito Capote. The other two former rebels from Tuburan town are Eduardo and Tamelito Bayno.

They received P30,000 each from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office. — Garry B. Lao/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)