Amazon sisters reunite inside 8IB army camp in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Amazon sisters reunite inside 8IB army camp in Bukidnon (By Camille M. Bumatay, CMO, 8IB)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, Oct. 1 -- After two years of being apart, two amazon sisters rejoiced as they reunite inside the camp of 8th Infantry "Dependable" Battalion (8IB) in Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon on Sept. 17, 2020.

They were identified as alias Gaya and alias Peme. ‘Gaya’ was the platoon medic of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Peddler, while ‘Peme’ was the platoon medic of Pulang Bagani Yunit of Guerilla Front 89, both under Sub-Regional Command 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the communist terrorists New People’s Army (NPA).

It can be recalled that ‘Peme’, 28 years old, surrendered to the government with an M16 rifle on Nov. 16, 2018 after having realized the futile struggle with the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

Early this week, 25-year old ‘Gaya’ yielded to the government after not being able to cope with hunger and fatigue within the terrorist group.

‘Gaya’ screamed in surprise upon seeing her long lost sister in an undreamed-of reunion facilitated by 8IB personnel at the headquarters. With teary eyes, ‘Gaya’ thanked the Philippine Army for finding her sister while despising the NPA for making their lives miserable.

“Dili nako mapugngan ang akong luha nga nakita ang akong igsoon human sa kadugayon sa panahon. Giguba sa NPA ang among malipayong pamilya. Dili ko gusto nga malayo pa usab sa ila. Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa among gobyerno sa pagtabang sa ako nga makauban ang akong pamilya pag-usab. (I can't hold back my tears seeing my sister after a long time. The NPA destroyed our once happy family. I don't want to be away from them again. I am grateful to our government for helping me to be reunited with my family again),” she said.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, commanding officer of 8IB, meanwhile, welcomed ‘Gaya’ who turned her back from the CPP-NPA.

"Nakabuhat og husto nga desisyon silang ‘Gaya’ ug ‘Peme’ nga mobiya sa walay pulos nga armadong grupo. Sa nahabilin nga mga NPA, surender na karon aron magkahiusa na kamo sa inyong mga hinigugma ug mamuyo nga malinawon. (@Gaya and @Peme made the right decision to abandon the worthless armed group. To the remaining NPA rebels, I encourage you to surrender now, be reunited with your loved ones, and live peacefully again),” the 8IB commander said.

‘Peme’ received her Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits completely while her younger sister Gaya’s ECLIP entitlement will still be processed. (CMO, 8IB, 403rd Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054741