Former Rebel reunites with family during reconciliation ceremony in Bukidnon

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Oct 18, 2020): Former Rebel reunites with family during reconciliation ceremony in Bukidnon (By 4th Infantry Division)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon. 18 October – A former rebel was reunited with his Higaonon family during the “Singampu Hu Butwaay”, a reconciliation ceremony conducted in Sitio Ulayanon, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon on October 10, 2020.

@Bert, who voluntarily surrendered last September 03, 2020 at Headquarters, 8th Infantry Battalion, Impasugong, Bukidnon was able to meet his siblings after being separated for many years. He was very optimistic for their family reunion after leaving the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) which has separated family members who are fighting for a lost cause. His sisters were overjoyed and could not hold back their tears when they saw him standing in front and still alive.

The teary eyed @Bert expressed his happiness, “Grabe ang akong kalipay human natuman ang akong pangandoy nga makita nako ang akong pamilya. Kini ang unang panaghiusa sa among pamilya human kami gibulag-bulag sa komunistang terorista.” (I am filled with joy and excitement because my wish to finally see my family was fulfilled. This is the first reunion of our family after we were separated by the communist terrorist).

“Mapasalamaton ako nga nakita na nako ang akoang igsuon nga buhi ug anaa na siya sa sabakan sa gobyerno. Dili ko gusto nga gub-on pag-utro sa mga komunistang terorista ang among malipayon nga pamilya.” said @Teda, the eldest sister. (I am very grateful seeing my brother who is still alive and has returned to the folds of the government. I don’t want the communist terrorist to ruin our happy family again).

LTC Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion said, “Sa mga biktima nga myembro sa Communist New People’s Army Terrorists, ang pagbalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno makatabang kaninyo aron matuman ang inyong mga pangandoy. Dili pa ulahi ang tanan, biyae na ang walay kwenta nga armadong pakigbisog ug balik sa inyong mga pamilya nga dugay nang naghulat sa inyoha.” (To the victims of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist, returning to the folds of the government will help fulfill your dreams. It is not yet late, leave the useless armed struggle and return to your families who have been waiting for a long time).

It can be recalled that on October 10, 2020, the Municipal Task Force ELCAC of the Municipality of Impasugong, Bukidnon initiated the conduct of “Singampu Hu Butwaay” in Sitio Ulayanon, Bgy Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon. The activity is a traditional ceremony which in the Higaonon tribe signifies the reconciliation of two or more parties involved in serious conflict.

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