BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Return to the fold of the law and you will reap praises and rewards.
This must be true to rebel couple returnees who finally decided to return to the mainstream of society, as Governor Maximo Dalog happily welcomed them and will be giving them cash assistance in the amount of P20,000 to start a new life.
Twenty-five year-old Domalsin Gaccad Liccub aka Rudy/Elian, resident of Barangay Basao, Tinglayan, Kalinga and his wife, 25 year-old Leticia Chumacog Cabrad aka Shineth, from barangay Can-eo, this town, voluntarily surrendered to elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army here.
It was revealed that the couple decided to surrender because of hardships in the communist party.
The assistance, which was assured by Dalog to the couple during their visit to the governor at the Provincial Capitol last January 13, will be given for the rebel returnees to jumpstart and aid their livelihood.
It was known that the two rebel returnees expressed their willingness to join the organization of the Rebel Returnees organized by the Alalay at Gabay sa Pag-unlad ng Pamayanan (Aagapay), which they named as the Betwagan Aagapay "Defenders "Association (Bada) which gives and assists livelihood program in coordination with Dalog and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
Gaccad, the former Communist Team Leader (CTL) of Kilusang Larangang Guerilla-Marco, which covers Mountain Province, Abra and Ilocos Sur, entered the New People's Army (NPA) sometime in February 2000. He was allegedly recruited by CTL Corsio Ganima aka Tribal/Toy-ob while his party-wife Chumacog served as the medical officer of the movement.
Dalog expressed appreciation to the Aagapay for its relentless effort in coordinating the peaceful and safe surrender of the couple.
The governor also lauded the PNP and the Philippine Army for their insistent campaign against insurgency. (Razil Ann Baclili and Wynner Sayaan)