Six former rebels get LGU assistance

DAVAO CITY - Six former rebels received six sacks of high-breed corn and one sack of rice each from the local government unit of Kapalong, Davao del Norte a week after they surrendered to the government.

Captain Harold Ho, civil-military operations officer of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade identified the recipients as Otoy Boy-ang, Lino Molohinday, Randy Agbang, Maugan Malibato, Gamai Mai and Botchoy Mantog, who all hail from Sitio Mulig, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

He said the military facilitated the initial assistance which came from the local government of Kapalong.

Ho said the six surrenderees qualify to receive benefits under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program after they laid down two Carbine rifles, two magazines with two live bullets and home-made explosives when they surrendered to the 84th Infantry Battalion in February 24.

“We are facilitating the initial assistance in coordination with the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office while the municipal government gave away six sacks of rice to help the surrenderees and their families,” he said.

Colonel Buenaventura Pascual, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Division welcomed the latest surrender and assured assistance to the rebels who wish to return to the mainstream society and to start their lives anew.

He urged rebels who want to return home to send surrender feelers either through the soldiers, members of the clergy, religious pastors or the local government officials.

“I am very happy for this, as a clear indication that we are winning the peace. Indeed, it reinforces our commitment, the joy of having our brothers back,” he said. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)