Philippines: NPA rebel surrenders

Source: Government of the Philippines - Tacloban City (March 1) Hardship, hunger, insecurity, false hope and discouragement are just some of the numerous reasons enunciated by a former rebel after he decided to voluntarily submit himself to one of the members of the Charlie Company of the Army's 19th Infantry Battalion based in Kananga, Leyte at 12:30 P.M., on Friday, February 26.

Reports disclosed that Lemy Oronuz, 23 years old, known to be Joshua in the underground movement belongs to Pingkoy Platoon of the Front Committee Leyte. He is a resident of Brgy. Oguisan, MacArthur, Leyte and stayed in the NPA organization for considerable number of years.

According to Oronuz, he can no longer withstand with the ordeal that he and his comrades are experiencing in the underground movement which include the long-awaited realization of the promises they received when they were recruited.

Oronuz also said that his other comrades are already showing their intention to follow his footsteps of going out into the open to re-experience the true democracy that was long deprived of them by the party and the movement.

He also added that they are being encouraged by the testimonies of their former comrades who already availed the government's Social Integration Program (SIP) which further negated their belief in the lies that whoever will surrender will be killed by the military.

Oronuz voluntarily submitted himself to 19IB soldier bringing along his issued M16 rifle with three (3) long and three (3) short magazines loaded with live ammunitions.

With this development, 8ID Commander, Maj. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero assured Orunuz of his security while his name is immediately enrolled in the SIP program.

"I personally appreciate the right move and decision done by Lemy. He is still young and he can do more with his age and correct the wrong decision in the past and can still make his future brighter", Maj. Gen. Tabaquero added.

"I reiterate my previous call to our brothers in the underground movement whom I considered victims, to follow the good decision done by Lemy and make their future more fruitful. I also enjoin other agencies, people's organization, local government units and cause oriented and progressive groups to share their part in our advocacy to stop insurgency that serves as the sole reason why the region's peace and development is at stake." Maj. Gen. Tabaquero concluded.

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