High-ranking former rebel gets P500,000 assistance

A HIGH-RANKING rebel returnee received P500,000 cash from Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal during the handover of financial aid on May 19, 2022 at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center.

Under Resolution 513-22, an amount of P500,000 each shall be granted to those identified as communist terrorist leaders, and an amount of P300,000 each shall be granted to those identified as communist terrorist group members.

According to Battalion Commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Jose Andre Monje, the ceremonial handover of the reward to the former rebel, Cesar, who was the squad leader of "Guerilla Front Sendong," was to recognize and celebrate the transformation and reintegration of an individual who has chosen to leave behind a life of armed rebellion and embrace a path of peace and positive contribution to society.

Monje said the insurgency in Misamis Occidental is dwindling, adding that they reduced the rebel groups' firearms and manpower.

"We encourage them (rebels) to avail themselves of government services and leave the armed struggle," Monje said.

Cesar urged his former comrades who are still active in the communist group to surrender.

"Sulod sa duha gyud namo ka bulan dinhi, maayo gyud ang pagtratar. Akong panawagan sa akoang mga kauban nga kadtong nangaigo nga nangabali na ang ilahang mga bukton, labi na ni akoang ig-agaw nga si Jeboy, si Jane, si Jophel ug kadtong uban pa nga samaron na si Andot, si Richard. Og mogawas gyud sila, mosurrender maparehas sa akoa, andam gyud gihapon ang gobyerno motabang sa ilaha," Cesar said.

The governor of Misamis Occidental, for his part, also encouraged the members of the New People's Army (NPA) to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, saying there are only 16 left who are still in the mountains.

"Kung mahimo mag-uban na ta, gawas sa award nga ihatag sa national government, naa sad atong reward gikan sa probinsyal government ug dili lang kanang tag P500,000 kung dili naa ta’y sustainable livelihood program nga at least ma-enjoy sad ninyo," Oaminal said.

"Ang inyong pagbalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno na life is now getting more beautiful rather than naa dinha sa kabukiran," he added.