Ex-rebel gets Sara Duterte as godmother to son

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 24, 2021): Ex-rebel gets Sara Duterte as godmother to son (By Che Palicte)

GOOD MOM. Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte (left) becomes one of the godparents of Amir Vlad Paglaum, son of Ariane Jane Ramos, alias Marikit, during the baby's dedication on Tuesday (Nov. 23, 2021). Duterte advised the former communist rebel to raise her children to be God-fearing, kind and humble. (Photo courtesy of I-docu by John Paul Seniel)

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte on Tuesday urged former New People’s Army (NPA) leader Ariane Jane Ochate Ramos alias Marikit to be a good mother and raise God-fearing, kind, and humble children, one of whom just became the chief executive's godson.

Duterte accepted a request to be a godparent of Amir Vlad Paglaum Ramos, the son of the former secretary of Guerrilla Front 55, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“It is a great honor to be chosen as a godparent of Amir Vlad Paglaum Ramos, the daughter of Ariane Ramos who used to be in the mountains and fighting for the government. Your children are your contribution to the world and I hope that you make sure that they will be productive citizens in the future,” she said in her speech during the dedication day of Baby Amir at the 1003rd Infantry Brigade.

Duterte thanked Marikit for helping the government in expanding the services to the people in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“I was overjoyed when their family agreed to include the name 'Paglaum' as my suggestion. Paglaum means hope because each child is a blessing and hope for a better future,” she added.

Duterte also thanked the parents of Marikit for choosing her as one of Amir’s godparents.

“To the parents of Ariane, you raised your daughter well as she was able to teach the world the issues in our society and she was able to strongly point that out to the entire country. And now, we hope that she will be able to strongly help in providing solutions in the things she pointed out,” she added.

She also commended Marikit for being a strong woman.

“Be proud of her because she is a very strong woman and through your guidance, she will be able to help the country,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Marikit thanked Duterte for suggesting Paglaum to be part of her son’s name as she hoped that she will build a bright future and hope for her children.

“As a mother, I want a good and bright future for my children. One of the reasons I why joined the armed struggle before is because I believe that I’ll be a part to create a new society for the children. Now that I surrendered, I saw a much brighter future for my children, and it's very overwhelming with the support of the 1003rd Brigade commander Col. Consolito Yecla and 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr.,” she said.

Marikit, who was pregnant at that time, surrendered to the military in Pikit, North Cotabato in August this year.

Marikit was among the NPA leaders who surrendered to the government this year along with Pedro Arnado, chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-SMRC and national treasurer; Ruel Dum-ogan alias Regan, commanding officer of HQ Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, and his wife DN Saritao of the same unit.

On the other hand, Torres said he felt privileged and grateful for being chosen as a godparent, alongside Duterte.

"I can say that he, Paglaum, will truly bring hope in achieving just and lasting peace not only in Davao Region where Arian (alias Marikit) operated before but to the whole country as well. He is our living proof that ending this insurgency is possible. The event today is more than just a dedication of Paglaum, it carries with it a message of care, commitment, and hope. Genuine care for those who need to be nurtured. An expression of commitment from government officials, security sector, and the former rebels to work together for a better country," he said.

"And a message of hope for a lasting peace na may Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na pamumuhay ang bawat Pilipino.
With the harmonious relationship established with our former rebels and with the bond that we have formed through our love of God and country, we will surely achieve victory as a nation against the Communist Terrorist Group,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160719