CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Instead of fighting it out in the mountains where lives are at stake, soldiers and former rebels engaged in a military tradition called "boodle fight” to celebrate life.
In line with the nationwide celebration of International Women’s Day, the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division shared food with four former ranking female New People's Army (NPA) members at the headquarters of the 1st Special Forces Battalion in Brgy. Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on March 3.
Jai-jai, Diding, Jao and Lala (not their real names) were among the recent batches of surrenderees from the CPP-NPA terrorist group of the Sub-Regional Committee and Regional Urban Committee of Northern Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in Region 10 who turned their backs against their terrorist organization and surrender to the government troops in February this year.
The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division sharing food with former female NPA members at the headquarters of the 1st Special Forces Battalion in Brgy. Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on March 3, 2019 in line with the nationwide celebration of International Women’s Day. (4ID)
The ex-rebels turned in assorted medical and dental supplies, medicines, cellphone, tablet, and subversive documents.
“I am very grateful to the soldiers and the government agencies for giving us a chance to gain back our normal life and become productive members of the society. We know that women play a significant role in a family and we are critical components in creating a peaceful community. I am more than honored and privileged to be personally visited, conversed and was able to partake sumptuous lunch (boodle fight) with the officers and men of the 4th ID headed by Brigadier General Gacal. They have shown utmost respect and took good care of us contrary to what NPA terrorist leaders told us," said Lala, a former finance officer and political instructor.
Gacal said they recognize the active contributions of women especially in peace building in Mindanao. "These female former rebels have a great role to perform, to reach out to their former comrades and be a worthy example that there is an easy way out from the terrorist organization if they only give peace a chance," he said.
Gacal added that the 4th ID is a gender responsive Army unit and this activity highlights the celebration of Women’s Month with the theme: “We Make Change Work for Women.”
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019544
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