Kalinaw News: Lt. Gen Sobejana Graces FR Summit in Bicol, Affirms the Growing Support of Bicolanos Aimed at Ending Communist Insurgency

 Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2021): Lt. Gen Sobejana Graces FR Summit in Bicol, Affirms the Growing Support of Bicolanos Aimed at Ending Communist Insurgency



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-True to its promise of assisting the former members and supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to start over again upon returning to the folds of the law, the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division (9ID) organized a 2-day FR Summit.

From January 29-30, representatives from TESDA, DSWD, NHA, and DILG provided lectures and brief training to a total of 31 FRs.

During the closing program, no less than the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, LTGEN CIRILITO E SOBEJANA PA served as the keynote speaker.

In his speech, Lt. Gen. Sobejana expressed his happiness for the opportunity to see the FRs face to face and cast the vision the government has for them.

“‘Yong E-CLIP program is just an added thing na nakukuha ninyo for returning to the folds of the law. Ang importante dito, makamit natin ang kapayapaan, katahimikan, ‘yong matutulog ka sa gabi na hindi ka mangangamba namagkaroon ng putukan. Napakasarap namnamin ‘yong undisturbed ‘yong ating pagtulog at pag hanapbuhay. I am looking forward that with your right decision ay lalong magsusulong ng katahimikan at kapayapaan dito sa rehiyon ng Bicol,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana said.

Some of the FRs also shared their willingness to rally with the government’s campaign to end communist insurgency.

“Dati, ako’y nasa kabundukan. Ngayon ay nasa kahawanan na, malaki po ang pagkakaiba ng buhay na nandito tayo ngayon sa tamang pamahalaan at nagpapasalamat din po ako sa lahat ng nagbigay ng E-CLIP benefit na nakatulong po sa aming mga anak at sa pamilya,” Leo, not his real name said.

Another FR also encouraged the Bicolanos and his former comrades not to turn a blind eye on the CTG’s deceptions and terrorism.

“Kami po ay patuloy na nananawagan sa mga natitira sa kabundukan na ang pagkakataong ito ay bigyan nating pagpapahalaga para matapos na ang problema. Hindi po ito matatapos na problema kung patuloy magbubulagalagan at magbibingihan, susunod sa maling ideolohiya. Sana po ay maging bahagi kayo ng nagbalik-loob sa ating pamahalaan. Patuloy po kaming nanawagan sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno lalo na sa ating mahal na Pangulo na itong programa ng Whole-of-Nation Approach at EO 70 ipagpapatuloy at sustainable para matapos na ang problema,” Rodel, also not his real name said.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of 9ID said that the division is very honored that Lt. Gen. Sobejana was able to grace the event.

“Si Lt. Gen. Sobejana na mismo ang nagsabi na hindi gyera ang gusto ng mga sundalo. That is why, we reach out to these former rebels because we want them to feel that we are here for them, we don’t want them to get left behind. Ganito rin ang gusto nating mangyari para sa mga natitira pang CTG members kaya hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi natatapos ang armadong tunggalian na ito. Ang mabuti ngayon, lalong dumarami ang kakampi natin. Once we continue joining our hands towards our goals and aspirations, we will win this fight,” MGen. Robinson said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/lt-gen-sobejana-graces-fr-summit-in-bicol-affirms-the-growing-support-of-bicolanos-aimed-at-ending-communist-insurgency/