EASTMINCOM: LGU welcomes new surrenderees in Mis Or, provides food assistance

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2020): LGU welcomes new surrenderees in Mis Or, provides food assistance

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental - Local Government Unit (LGU) of Claveria warmly welcomed the twelve (12) new surrenderees through a simple ceremony held at Sitio Moya, Brgy Eureka, Gingoog City, November 13, 2020.

In coordination with 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (2SRB), LGU Claveria headed by Hon. Meraluna S Abrogar, Municipal Mayor initiated the program to personally welcome the former rebels (FRs) and to distribute food assistance and clothing to them.

The FRs received a total of fifteen (15) sacks of rice, assorted canned goods, and clothes that were donated from the office of Municipal Social and Welfare Development (MSWD) Claveria.



It can be recalled that the said 12 FRs surrendered to the combined forces of 58IB and 2SRB last November 8, 2020 at Sitio Langusahan, Brgy Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental due to hardship and hunger they experienced inside the NPA organization.

“Dako akong pasalamat sa gobyerno ug sa 58IB sa tabang na akong nadawa. Ang ako lang maingon sa akong kauban sa una, dili tinuod nga berdugo ang sundalo, mga buotan sila. Paghundang na sa armadong pakigbisog aron mag-uban ta diri sa saktong kinabuhi,” said Marcelo Simpana alias Kayo, one of the FRs. (To the government and the 58IB, thank you very much for all the assistance I received. To my former comrades, I just want to say that it is not true that soldiers are savages they are kind. I encourage you to cease the armed struggle so that we could be together in a better and peaceful life.



In her message, Hon. Mayor Meraluna S Abrogar said “As a mother of this municipality, I am grateful for the programs initiated by our President to end the local communist armed conflict in our nation. Because of this, we are experiencing influx of surrenders and together with other government agencies, I am happy to give my full support and to provide any assistance to our former rebels as they start a new life with their families.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB firmly said, “The collaborative effort of different government agencies shows the dedication of our public servants to help our misguided CTG brothers and sisters. We reiterate that is high time now to return to the folds of the law in the guidance of the Almighty. We are more than willing to assist you in reestablishing your life with peace and development but if you insist to follow an ambitious ideology then the Philippine Army will use force to hunt you.”

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 58th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Diamond, PA

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/11/lgu-welcomes-new-surrenderees-in-mis-or.html