Ex-rebels burn NPA flag, take oath of allegiance to Phl gov't

SIATON, NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines — Rebel returnees yesterday in this town burned the flag of the armed unit of the NPA in Negros Oriental to symbolize their allegiance to the government.

The burning, witnessed by 18 members of the Lubos Asosasyung Masa (LAM), was done at sitio Quadra in Barangay Mantiquil of this town, with Brgy. Chairwoman Rosalie Nama and residents who said they wanted to live peacefully.

Others who were in the event were Mayor Albert Ator, Gov. Roel Ragay Degamo, 79th Infantry Battalion commander Col. Marion Sison and 302nd Infantry Brigade deputy commander Col. Christopher Estella.

Two former rebels, 18-year-old Engrid Casilaw and 19-year-old Bobby Kiskis, who figured in the encounter with troopers of the 79th IB during the May 13 elections set the NPA flag on fire after which they gladly embraced the Philippine Flag along with the rest of the returnees.

The activity coincided with the conduct of a medical mission, which according to residents was the first that they have availed of.

The LAM leader said they were deceived by the NPA into believing that they were on the right track and such propaganda have caused them sleepless nights, anxieties, and abnormal ways of life, especially when they see government soldiers.

Nama called on her people not to be hoodwinked by the propaganda of her former group because what they have given them were only problems.

Estella said that, like the NPA, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is now also tired of fighting for the last 40 years, and that they have strategized and modified their approach in addressing insurgency through non-combat operations like the Bayanihan, designed to put the government closer to the people. 

Degamo, for his part, told the former rebels that his office is always open to everybody for the sake of peace. He enjoined them all to take their oath of allegiance seriously, and help the government address social problems. (FREEMAN)