Kalinaw News: Wedding of surrendered NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2023): Wedding of surrendered NPA

Carmen, Surigao del Sur – Former NPA Rebels (FRs) namely Mr. Reky Mahinay and Ms. Necalyn Catapte who recently surrendered to the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion are now officially husband and wife after they pronounced their vows during the wedding ceremony attended by the 901st Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon PA who also stood as witness to the Former Rebels wedding solemnized by Reverend Monsignor Isidro H. Irizari on April 20, 2023 at Headquarters 36IB, Brgy Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.

The newlywed couple was former members of the Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF30) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). Last 05 January 2023, the 36th Infantry Battalion was able to decimate the aforementioned guerilla front after the series of voluntary surrenders of high-ranking leaders of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs)

The wedding of the former NPA rebels couple was made possible by the convergence efforts of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) spearheaded by the Provincial Governor of Surigao del Sur Hon Alexander T. Pimentel.

The activity was sponsored by the local government units, agencies, and private sectors of Surigao del Sur, while the food and drinks for the reception were served by the personnel of the 36IB. The godfathers and godmothers subsequently give their congratulatory message and advices to the newlywed couples. Ms. Hershe L. Nunez, RSW, PSWDO SDS, (godmother) guaranteed the implementation of social welfare and development programs and services towards addressing the various risks and vulnerabilities contributing to insurgency. Hawudon Engwan S Ala, Provincial Tribal Chieftain, SDS, Hawudon Ricardo S. Iligan, IPMR Carmen, SDS, and Mr. Dermano C. Quezada, Former NPA high ranking official (godfathers) conveyed their messages in warmly welcoming the surrenderees and commended their decision to finally change their lives and return to the folds of the law and urge the remaining CTG members to return to their families and live peacefully.

On his message in local dialect, Mr. Reky Mahinay alias Amara said that, “Dako ko og pasalamat sa 36th IB ug sa nag ka lain-lain na ahensya sa gobyerno na wala mi nila gibayaan ug gipasagdaan sugod nga nag surrender kami hangtod karon gitabangan gihapon mi nila sa among pag pakasal ni Necalyn, karon malipayon mi nga naa na mi matawag na kaugalingong pamilya”.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Michael Rey S. Reuyan, Commanding Officer of 36IB thanked the sponsors and stakeholders for their generosity that made the event become possible. “We are very thankful to our various stakeholders for their sincerity in helping our FRs not only by providing benefits and assistance from our government like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) but for showing them that they are now part and well accepted by the society.” Lt. Col Reuyan said.

Likewise, the 901st Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon PA reiterated the convergence efforts of the NTF-ELCAC and other key stakeholders. “This activity serves as best illustration to entice more surrenderers. We welcome and encourage all the remaining rebels to abandon the armed struggle and accept the governments offers through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Our government instrumentalities will provide the necessary assistance to those who want to return to the folds of the law”. BGen Banzon emphasized.

The wedding was attended by FR’s family and relatives, military and civilian stakeholders.

[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.]

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