ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat (PIA) -- The continued return of rebels and violent extremists to the fold of the law is proof of the government getting the upper hand in its fight against communist terrorist group (CTG) and extremists, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. said in an event in Sultan Kudarat Province, Thursday.
Secretary Abalos was guest of honor of the Kakep Ka Su Kalilintad (Maguindanaon phrase, meaning "Embrace Peace") event held at the Sultan Kudarat Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Isulan.
During the event, the provincial government, led by Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu, with the Police Regional Office 12 and the 6th Infantry Battalion, presented to Secretary Abalos 50 former violent extremists (FVE), along with several firearms and explosives they surrendered to government forces.
Police Regional Office 12 Director PBGen. Jimili Macaraeg said the FVEs are former BIFF combatants and IED makers operating in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.
"What does this mean? Ang ibig sabihin, we are winning the war on disinformation," Sec. Abalos said.
"Tama ang sinasabi ni [6ID Commander] General [Roy] Galido, it is really disinformation. Ang ating mga kapatid malamang kaya sila nagrebelde ay dahil sila ay nahikayat ng mga hindi totoong mga pangako."
Abalos, however, emphasized that the focus should be how the surrenderees are reintegrated to the community.
"What is important is the day after the surrender. Ang araw na ito ay importante, pero mas importante na pagkatapos ng araw na ito ipakita nating lahat -- may papel tayo rito -- na ang gobyerno andiyan, ang proyekto ni [Governor] Datu Pax Ali [Mangudadatu] kompleto po 'yan magmula edukasyon.
"Higit sa lahat, ang kumunidad, na aakapin natin sila. Tandaan ninyo, maski iba-iba ang relihiyon at iba-iba tayo ng kultura, iisang bansa tayo. Lahat tayo Pilipino at dapat tayo ay magkatulungan para bumangon. 'Yan ang sinasabi ng ating mahal na Presidente" he said.
During the event, the FVEs received assistance from the provincial and national governments through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
According to PCol. Ma. Joyce R. Birrey, spokesperson of PRO 12, the firearms and explosives the FVEs surrendered consist of 3 KG9s, 3 RPGs, 1-cal.45 pistol, 7 Uzi, 4 shotguns, 4 mortars, 1 cal.38 pistol, 1 garand caliber 30, 1-barret cal.50; 3 M14s, 2 M79s, and 7 IEDs.
The FVEs have undergone validation by he Joint AFP and PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC) and the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat's Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Col. Birrey said. (PIA XII)
