BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 16 former members of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, known to the Philippine Army as Central Negros 1 of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, who surrendered to authorities on September 20, have been assured of employment and livelihood opportunities by the city government of Guihulngan in Negros Oriental.
In a statement, Guihulngan City Mayor Filomeno Reyes, who also chairs the City Task Force ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict), lauded the decision of 16 rebels to surrender and abandon the armed struggle.
“We are very grateful for your voluntary surrender, and we are working hand in hand for you to receive the benefits, that will help you build your lives anew. We want nothing but to help and to ensure that you live a peaceful life,” Reyes said.
The mayor stressed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police are in the countryside to maintain the peace, and to prevent any war.
“They risk their lives everyday so that you may live, in the comfort of home and family. You made the right decision to surrender. And because you did, no lives were lost, no properties damaged,” Reyes said
As part of our efforts to integrate you as productive members of society, he said that the LGU Guihulngan will give them employment and livelihood opportunities, and proper education if needed, especially for their children.
Stressing they are victims of CPP NPA false promises, Reyes said the children of 16 former rebel combatants will no longer suffer what they went through.
The mayor also enjoined them not to waste the opportunity extended to them by the government, as he lauded their bravery for denouncing the armed struggle.*
