Negrense ex-rebels rewarded on Independence Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 12): Negrense ex-rebels rewarded on Independence Day
 
Ten former members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental went home happy after getting financial aid and new bikes during the Wednesday celebration of the country’s 115th Independence Day here.

They were Erving Biñas, Felizardo Penida Jr., Eugene Almojero, Evonie Baynosa, Elizalde Martisano, Rodel Tanedo, Mary Jane Baynosa, Eduardo Baynosa Jr., Queenie Villafranca and Jonamae Mahilum.

Each of them got one new mountain bike courtesy of Bacolod Rotary Club International District 3850 in partnership with the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army. The "gifts" were presented to the beneficiaries at the Social Hall of Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol located in Bacolod City.

The first four recipients got P50,000 each as remuneration after surrendering one M14 rifle and three M16 rifles.

They were the second batch of rebels who benefited from the Army’s “Gun for Peace” program.

The first were couple Mary Jane and Eduardo Baynosa Jr. who got P110,000 for surrendering four Colt M16 rifle and three Mossberg 12-gauge shotguns.

When interviewed, 29-year-old Evonie Baynosa of Toboso town thanked 303rd IB Commander Col. Jon Aying and Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. for the help.

Baynosa, who served the NPA for seven years, surrendered to the army on August last year.

He also urged his former colleagues in the NPA to stop the armed struggle and return to the mainstream as law abiding citizens.

Baynosa said the continued armed struggle in Negros Island is doomed to fail since their top leaders divided in principles.

Since the launching of the “Gun’s for Peace” last month, Aying said he expect more rebels to return to the fold of law and laid down their arms.

Aying said the turning over of assistance to former rebels on Independence Day also highlight their commitment to attain peace through the spirit of bayanihan or cooperative endeavor.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army also facilitated the inclusion of the dependents of the victims of armed conflict in La Castellana town to the provincial government’s scholarship program.

The college scholarship grants were awarded to Dexter and Dena Demafiles of Barangay Puso and Mary Lyn Complesa and Glen Tamayor from Barangay Cabacungan, all in La Castellana town.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=533659