Another group of rebels surrenders

CEBU, Philippines - Another group of rebels voluntarily surrendered to the 78th Infantry Battalion in Danao City last December 13.

Those who surrendered were Feliciano Bueno a.k.a. Antuanga, 57; George Durado, 47, of Danao City; Rosefe Paquibot a.k.a. Zara, 35; Mira Bueno, 33; Helen Manco, 33; Sarah Labador, 40; Lucena Prieto a.k.a. Angela/Gina, 56; and Rosisima Medillo a.k.a. Emay, 45. 

The rebels are all natives of Danao City and were members of the local militia operating in the Danao area.

The rebels also turned their firearms over to authorities, including a Springfield caliber 30; US Springfield caliber 7.62 with serial number 8495; 30 US Model of 1917 rifle with serial number 145706; a caliber 7.62 Japanese Springfield; KG 9 and caliber 25 ACP; caliber .22 revolver; caliber 5.56mm frontier revolver; and caliber 7.62 Japanese Springfield.

They reportedly decided to surrender and denounced their affiliation with the local terrorist group because they wanted to clear their names, live peacefully with their respective families, and to take the opportunity the government has offered them.

This surrender was being facilitated by 1Lt. Roy Dalumpines, Intelligence Officer, and 1Lt. Eric Pidazo, Commander of Alpha Company of the 78th IB 8ID. The 78th IB is headed by Lt. Col. Raymundo Bañares Jr.

This year alone, 80 former rebels surrendered to 78th IB. Of this number, 49 had availed of the Social Integration Program offered by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process while 55 received P30,000 each from the Provincial Government as livelihood assistance. (PR)   (FREEMAN NEWS)