OPOL, Misamis Oriental (PIA) -- To show its commitment to fostering harmony and inclusivity, the local government of Opol in Misamis Oriental, through the Municipal Reintegration Program for Former Rebels, welcomed the surrender of a former New People's Army (NPA) member in a ceremony on Feb. 23.

"Kani ra ako panawagan. Mamalik kita kay andam kami mag-alagad kaninyo [ This is my only call. Please come back to the fold of the law because we are ready to serve you]," Opol town Mayor Jayfrancis Bago said as he appealed to those in the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA movement to leave behind an uncertain life with the rebel groups.

Responding to the local government's call, alias Celoy from Salawaga, Tingalan, Opol, Misamis Oriental of the Higaonon group, accepted a new chapter in his life at the Municipal Mayor's Office in Poblacion, Opol, as he surrendered to the authorities.

"Nagpasya ko nga mubalik ako sa gobyerno aron pasabton ang mga tao nga ayaw na mo'g apil-apil diha kay dili sila makatabang sa ato, labaw na kung issue sa yuta. Sa ako ra bang kasagaran nadunggan, sa akong pagka-eksperyensyado, halos isyu sa yuta ang problema mao nang nag-rinebelde," Celoy said. 

[I decided that I would go back to the government to explain to the people that they should not get involved with the rebel group because they could not help us, especially if it was a land issue. From what I've heard and experienced, a lot of people became rebels because of a lot of issues.] 

Sharing his extensive background, shaped by his involvement with various organizations in the country, Celoy said his decision to rejoin the government was driven by a thoughtful sense of responsibility towards the community. Before, he was deeply involved in the ideologies and activities advocated by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). However, with time, he began to recognize the flaws and harmful actions associated with the group's ideology and methods.

He said his surrender was a well-thought-out decision, emphasizing the careful planning involved. He sought the right opportunity, considering his residence in the forest, making it challenging to surrender abruptly. 

"Dugay ra, pero nangita sa ko og saktong maduolan kay unang-una, tua ko sa lasang nagpuyo, kung magbasta-basta ko, wala ko'y madaganan. Makigbisog nga magkasinabot, dili gyud sa bukid kay maduolan man gyud nila. Naa baya mi balaod dadto, nga ikaw, masking himuon kag lider, naay 100 katao nga mubantay sa imoha," Celoy said.

[It took a while, but I searched for the right opportunity to surrender because, first and foremost, I lived in the forest. If I surrendered recklessly, I would have nowhere to go. It's safer to negotiate in a place other than the mountains because they are very vigilant there. There is a wave there, and even if you act as a leader, 100 people are watching over you.]

Officials representing various institutions, including the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and local government officers, witnessed the event. BGen. Anthon Abrina of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commended the significance of the event, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration between the military and local government.

"Actually, ito, maganda itong may ganitong mga activity; when we were young then, wala pong ganito. 'Pag may sumuko bahala na 'yung military bitawan na 'yan without the assistance campaign of the local government units. Bahala na kami kung saan kami mahagilap na parang may itutulong at para maipakita sa lahat na may nagbabalik loob at tulungan namin sila," Abrina said.

[It's good to have these kinds of activities. When we were young, there was nothing like this. Before, when someone surrendered, the military used to release them without the involvement and support of the local government units. We were left to find them on our own, as if the situation could help us—to show everyone that there are returnees, and we are here to help them.]

In recognition of Celoy's surrender, Municipal Mayor Jayfrancis Bago, Vice Mayor Danilo Daroy Jr., and their team extended support to Celoy, where the latter received cash assistance, food, and non-food items, reflecting the local government's commitment to ensuring a smooth reintegration process.

As Misamis Oriental moves forward on the path to peace and unity, Bago said Celoy's experience stands as evidence of the positive influence of reintegration programs and cooperative endeavors among government agencies. It acts as a guiding light for individuals seeking reconciliation and the establishment of stability in the region. (PACR/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)