Former ‘reds’ strengthen peace pact with AFP, LGU Maln’gan

' Tired of fighting, starvation ’ – Photo shows Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 12 director Olive Sudaria (left) documenting the surrender of suspected communist guerrillas sometime on May 2009 in Malungon, Sarangani Province.The series of surrender by former New People’s Army combatants and notorious bandit leaders in the then known ‘haven of cattle rustlers and an asylum to notorious armed groups’ in South-Central Mindanao came following the assumption into office by Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bongbong’ Constantino (now in his last and final term) in year 2007. As to these day, the stability of peace and order in Malungon was again cited Monday (May 12, 2014) by no less newly installed Sarangani police director, PS Supt. Emmanuel B. Peralta amid the ongoing League of Municipal Mayors (LMP Sarangani Chapter) meeting in Lemlunay Diving Resort, Maasim, Sarangani Province. Also in photo are Constantino and Wayagwag while inspecting the yielded assorted firearms and ammunition in Brgy. Nagpan.  (Isagani P. Palma/ mio – malungon).

From right, Mayor Bong Constantino, DILG prov. dir. Flor Limpin, a PSWDO staff, AFP Col. Marcos Norman Flores and Mun. Councilor Mariano 'Jun' Escalada gesture with utmost respect and discipline during the singing of the national anthem which signaled the Friday (May 9, 2014) official opening of the Malungon Rebel Returnees Association assembly.

Col. Marcos Norman Flores, 1002nd Army Brigade commander, speaks about peaceful living and the government's sincerity in its peace process and reconciliation programs during the recently held Malungon Rebel Returnees Association assembly.

Overseer of the government’s social integration program – Sarangani DILG dir. Flor Limpin and PSWDO representative Lecette Lopez go over the presented list of rebel returnees during the Friday (May 9, 2014) local government hosted assembly of the Malungon Rebel Returnees Association (MRRA) in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (IPP/MIO).

From left, Mun. Councilor and peace and order committee chair Benjamin Santos, Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo and 1002nd Army Brigade commander, Colonel Marcos Norman Flores gesture on stage while listening to Malungon town Mayor Bong Constantino's message concerning the significance and advantage of peaceful living amid a recently held MRRA gathering in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

Top government officials headed by (from right) Mayor Bong Constantino, DILG provincial dir. Flor Limpin Jr and the Army's 1002nd brigade commander Col. Marcos Norman Flores shares a healthy discussion with regards to peace and  order with Mun. Councilor Mariano 'Jun' Escalada, PSWDO representative Lecette Lopez and staff during the Malungon Rebels Returnees Association assembly in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

Peace, a major pathway to progress - Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo called for members of Malungon Rebel Returnees Association to continuously adhere to the renewed alliance and commitment with the government during the MRRA's Friday peace assembly in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

‘Red’ returnees peace assembly – From left, 1002nd Army Brigade commander Col. Norman Flores and DILG provincial director Flor Limpin figuratively stress the symbol of peace and friendship following the colonel’s short message on stage, as Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino (seated) oversee the ongoing Malungon Rebel Returnees Association’s peace program that was attended by more or less 50 former NPA rebel combatants and top local government officials on Friday (May 9, 2014) in Sarangani Province. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).

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Former 'Reds' strengthen peace pact with AFP, LGU Maln'gan

MALUNGON, Sarangani – At least 50 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ political armed-wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) convened Friday to meet with top local government and Armed Forces officials in a bid to strengthen more its peace agreement with the government. 

Mayor Reynado F. Constantino said headed by its president Jessie Celestino, the DILG overseen peace assembly of Malungon Rebel Returnees Association was a lucid proof of former communist guerrillas (and amazons) sincerity to live up peacefully, after returning back to the folds of law through a series of ‘unconditional’ surrender in the past years. 

“Despite of losing some of my close kin and friends who fought hard against the rebels foiled intrusion during the height of insurgency in the previous years, I believe that my administration has now proven its fervor in promoting the peace process of our government. And hopefully, each one of our returnees here today will continuously deliver and be instrumental for the laying of arms of those who would like to ‘return’ for the continuance of harmonious living, progress and development in Malungon town,” Constantino, during an impromptu speech at the municipal gymnasium, said. 

The Army’s 1002nd Brigade commander Col. Marcos Norman Flores has also called for returnees to help the Armed Forces in its task to promote peace and security, by convincing their former comrades to give up and give peace a chance, ‘for them and their beloved ones to enjoy and be part of the government’s genuine peace process and development programs.’ 

Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo have also urged MRRA members to continuously adhere and assist the government in its peace programs by providing necessary information and proper coordination, specifically on the movement of any suspicious armed groups in their respective areas of concern. 

The MRRA vice president Macario ‘Jun’ Clarion has led the pledging of a more tightened MRAA alliance, singing of the national anthem and the renewal of commitment of support by the former rebels to the government’s quest of upholding the true essence of lasting peace in this part of Sarangani Province. 

Meanwhile, the local government departments provincial director Flor Limpin said despite of the continuous implementation of the government’s local integration program for rebels, the DILG will still be the overseeing agency that is being tasked to evaluate the authenticity of those who would like to avail the privileges that are being offered by the government, in its aim of putting a dot in the country’s long-time insurgency problem by complimenting the 'reds' to live a normal life and join the mainstream society. 

The said activity ended with a simple meal gathering that was provided by the local government for attending members of the MRRA, Police Force, AFP and other sectoral groups in the locality. (Isagani Palma/ mio-malungon).