CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte -- Two former rebels, Jennifer Gabo and Maximo Vibas Sr, together with LtCol Cresencio C Gargar, Commanding Officer of 29IB recently paid visit to Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante at her office in Provincial Capitol, Agusan del Norte.
Governor Amante warmly welcomed the former rebels and gave them PhP100,000.00 cash assistance while they are waiting for the cash and livelihood assistance from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
“Ikaw ra ang driver sa imong kinabuhi. Ayaw mo ug sugot nga mailad na pud mo sa mga propaganda anang mga NPAs. Luoy kayo inyong mga kauban na nangamatay sa maling ideolohiya ug ang uban padayon pang nagkalisod sa bukid samtang ang mga Commanders anang mga NPA ang mas samot nag kadato. (You are the driver of your own life, don’t be deceived again with propaganda of the CTGs. We feel sorry for your comrades who died believing in the wrong ideology and for those comrades who still sacrifice there in the mountains while your Commanders are the ones getting rich),” said governor Amante to the FRs.
It can be recalled that last January 1, 2023, live in partners Jennifer Gabo and Maximo Vibas Sr voluntarily surrendered to 29th IB and revealed their arms cache. After their return from the retrieval operation of the arms cache, Jennifer emotionally opened up that she had a son whom she left in the hands of the CNT's Mass supporters and which she hasn't seen for 4 years.
After hearing her statement, the 29IB immediately facilitated her visit to her son in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. Afterwards, their emotional reunion turns into a happy occasion as they celebrated the son's 6th birthday on January 16, 2023.
LtCol Gargar also calls on the remaining member of the Communist Terrorist Group, return to the folds of law and stop the useless armed struggle and come home to your family. “Your family and loved ones are already deprived of your presence since you entered the armed struggle. Have the chance to be with them and fulfill your responsibility as a father, as a mother, a sister or brother, and as a son," he said. (1Lt. Jade Bryce G. Buñe, CMO Officer 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)
