Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: EASTMINCOM: Sulads’ Literacy Programs Generate Massive Surrender of NPA Supporters

Friday, July 14, 2023

EASTMINCOM: Sulads’ Literacy Programs Generate Massive Surrender of NPA Supporters

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 12, 2023): Sulads’ Literacy Programs Generate Massive Surrender of NPA Supporters

South Philippine Union Conference

San Fernando, Bukidnon, July 10, 2023. Sulads’ literacy initiatives played a vital role in the remarkable surrender of around 100 NPA supporters residing in San Fernando Municipality and three barangays namely, Sacramento Valley, Sitio Sabolwan, and Magkalungay. The initiatives, aimed at empowering marginalized communities through education, shaped hearts and minds while promoting peace and order.

The Sulads organization is renowned for its commitment to “educate and inspire the unreached indigenous people.” It has been operating in remote areas where poverty, insurgency, and limited access to education remain rampant. By offering literacy programs, vocational training, and other educational opportunities, SULADS can help build self-reliant communities and achieve sustainable peace.

The official surrender took place at the municipal gymnasium on Sunday morning, which was also attended by military personnel and policemen, government officials, and leaders from the AWR, CMM, and Sulads. Local authorities and community leaders, and government officials such as the Mayor of San Fernando Hon. Rogelio S. Yeke, and the Governor of Bukidnon Hon. Rogelio Neil Roque praised the organization for its invaluable contributions in fostering positive change.

48th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Gilbert F. Gomez stated that the event should serve as inspiration to achieve peace and order in San Fernando and the province of Bukidnon. Governor Roque led the Panunumpa Sa Pagsalikway. Here, the surrenderees officially renounced their support to the rebel group and affirmed its allegiance to the government. It was followed by the peace covenant signing and the handing over of firearms.

Sulads President Pr. Ephraim L. Pitogo reiterated that the organization’s success happened because of its partnership with the government and men in uniform. He emphasized that the collaboration would address social issues easier and more efficiently in their pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous society.

As the Sulads organization continues its mission to promote education and uplift marginalized communities, it remains an exemplar of how education can be a catalyst of change and foster sustainable peace.

By: Quin Salarda - Reporter
SPUC ComDept (Editorial Board)