Rebels told to abandon violent campaign, embrace peace offer

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Security officials urged communist rebels to abandon their long-running violent secessionist campaign and take advantage of the government’s amnesty program and live peacefully with their family.

Philippine Army Chief, Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, said there is no reason to fight the democratic government, but there are many motivations to lead a peaceful way of life.

“We are sincere in our peace program. There is no reason to fight, but a lot of reasons to live,” he said.

Just last week, government troops killed a female communist rebel in a fierce battle with the New People’s Army in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte after patrolling soldiers from the 30th Infantry Battalion ran into a group of rebels.

Two soldiers were wounded in the clash that could have left more enemy casualties.

The body of the slain rebel was recovered by soldiers, including three AK-47 assault rifles and an M16 automatic rifle, and five improvised explosives, assorted medical supplies, 18 backpacks and seven cell phones, according to Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, the battalion commander.

He said civilians tipped off the military on the presence of rebels in the area.

“The lives of our soldiers are always at stake, but it is our job to protect the communities from terrorists. The success of this operation might not have been realized without the support of the community, particularly for providing real time information that led to this armed engagement,” he said.

Callanta said troops previously clashed with rebels in the same area. The rebels have been fighting for many decades now to overthrow the democratic government and replace it with a communist state. (Mindanao Examiner)