Tribal chief, 150 others surrender to Alvarez
DAVAO DEL NORTE — House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez yesterday said more rebels will return to the fold of the law after a leader of the New Peoples Army who is also a respected tribal leader, along with 150 other rebels, formally surrendered to him last Thursday.
Lumad Ata Manobo tribal chieftain Datu Gibang Apoga brought with him 150 of his tribal warriors in surrendering to Alvarez. Alvarez said Apoga's group signified early this month their intention to surrender through an emissary, saying they believe in the Duterte administration's commitment to lasting peace in the country.
Apoga was accompanied by about a thousand of his supporters and other tribal leaders in Davao Del Norte, when he surrendered to Alvarez and military officers in a peace rally in Talaingod town last Thursday.
"He told me that he decided to give up arms because he is convinced that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is sincere in addressing the concerns of the people,” Alvarez said in an interview the other day.
The 76-year old chieftain returns to the fold of law after 28 years of fighting against the government, the Speaker said.
According to Alvarez, the 150 rebels who joined Apoga in surrendering to him are considered the bagani or tribal warriors in his tribe.
During the formal surrender, Apoga handed his firearm to Brigadier General Ernesto Torres, commander of the 1003rd Brigade, 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
With Alvarez, military and local officials of Talaingod likewise, Apoga urged other tribal members who are still waging war "up in the mountains" against the government to follow his footstep.
1003rd Brigade commander Torres in a statement released by Alvarez's media bureau said Apoga's decision to surrender is a significant development.
Torres said Apoga is the leader of the indigenous people not just in Talaingod but also in other nearby municipalities in the province.
Alvarez said unlike other rebel groups that demand greater concessions from the government, Apoga and his supporters have had reasonable demands such as livelihood assistance, access to electricity, and basic infrastructure like roads leading to their place.
Using his personal funds, Alvarez gave Datu Apoga carabaos and goats as well as construction materials for his house. He also gave mobility such as multicab, generator sets and electrical wires for his tribe.
The Davao del Norte provincial government also gave the tribal leader a wheelchair.
"Kaning akong gisulti nga tabang nimo ug sa inyong tribu, dili ni saad, tumanon ko gyud ni," said Alvarez to Datu Gibang shortly before the start of the Peace Rally.
Datu Gibang was likewise thankful to Alvarez and the Duterte administration that finally their demands are being addressed.
"Dili man pud hinoon unreasonable ang ilang mga demands sama sa kuryente, tubig, pagpatag sa ilang bukid aron sa housing project unlike other rebel groups nga extortion ra gyud ang tuyo," Alvarez said in a separate interview with The FREEMAN.
Military officials said Apoga joined the NPA to protect tribal lands that were about to be exploited by illegal loggers.