14 NPA voluntary surrender received 10K for Financial Assistance

 By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY (March 7, 2018) – 14 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and Mass supporters together with a newly born baby from the towns of Tudela and Don Victoriano in the province of Misamis Occidental voluntarily surrendered to the 10th Infantry “Steady On” Battalion of the premier Army Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines recently.

First Infantry (Tabak) Division Public Affairs Officer Major Ronald E Suscano said that the successful surrender of NPA supporters was in coordination and support from the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental.

MGen Roseller Murillo AFP Commanding General of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army together with his 102nd Brigade Commander Col Ariel Felicidario III INF (GSC) PA and LTC Ryan Severo INF (GSC) PA Commanding Officer of the “Steady On “ Battalion introduces the 14 Surrenderees to the Provincial Officials of Misamis Occidental during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony.

After a brief message, the governor replied with the financial assistance to the 14 Surrenderees and received from the Governor Hermie Ramiro P10K cash as they undergo the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), Major Suscano disclosed.

Major Suscano also said that the Armed Forces of the Philippine assured NPA rebels and supporters to live a new life for those who wanted to avail the government program in order to be back to the folds of the law.

After the ceremony, the Major Gen. Murillo together with his officers and men of the 10th Infantry Battalion left for the groundbreaking ceremony of the multi million project “Happy Home” at Camp Burgos located in Oroquieta City.

The establishment of the said project is intended for the rebel returnees who wishes to process their CLIP and other government initiated program for the rebel returnees for their temporary house to stay from where they come from, MGen Murillo said.

The 102nd Brigade Commander IID Col Ariel Felicidario briefed everyone attending the groundbreaking of what is the purpose of the halfway house and the government thru the AFP “Kapayapaan” Campaign in the pursuit of peace and development.

The 14 NPA Surrenderees are now staying for they were be the first to witness the groundbreaking ceremony of the AFP-DILG-LGU Happy Home a halfway house for the returnees were they can stay while processing their CLIP documents

Meanwhile, Misamis Occidental provincial government shared P500K for the establishment of the said Happy Home at the Camp Burgos. The governor

Represented by Board member Tito Decena who read the message of government response to every rebel who will surrender and be back to have a new life. Also attended were Board member Richard “Voting” Centino, Board member Pipit Ty and Board member Zaldy Daminar. They also congratulated the 14 Surrenderees to include a newly born baby. (With report from PJTremedal, Misamis Occidental Bureau)