OROQUIETA, Misamis Occidental (PIA) --Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal said achieving peaceful communities in the province can be likewise attributed to the combined efforts of the Philippine Army and the former rebels, who jointly pledged to fully support the government’s endeavor for a progressive society.

Through a Christmas gift-giving event on December 21, Governor Oaminal, together with Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez and his board members, extended their gratitude to 373 members of the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion and some 115 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) for helping the provincial government in safekeeping the province and guarding the Misamisnons from the armed conflict.

Oaminal surprised the beneficiaries with gift cash, food packs, and raffle prizes during a gift-giving event at Camp Burgos in Oroquieta City.

As he extended his personal Christmas greetings, the governor also lauded the soldiers’ relentless efforts, dedication, and sacrifices to defend the province and protect the people from internal security threats.

He also hailed the members of the 10th Infantry Battalion for their “gallant efforts” in combating the decades-old communist insurgency in the province.

“Kini atong pagsaulog karon sa 2023 nga Pamaskong Handog, among gi-offer kaninyo. Malipayon kami, dili lang ang AFP maoy ang atong gi-consider nga hero kung dili ang inyong voluntary usab nga pag-uban kanamo [This is our celebration today of the 2023 Christmas gift we offer you. We are happy; not only the AFP is considered a hero, but also your voluntary participation with us],” Oaminal said.

He also urged the remaining NPAs to return to the fold of the law and help the government achieve insurgency-free communities.

Meanwhile, the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer, LtCol. Jose Andre Monje, thanked the provincial government for recognizing the military’s relentless efforts to maintain peace and security in the entire Misamis Occidental.

“It is indeed an honor for us every Christmas season that we receive graces. It is our humble stand to FRs that we commit to you what we have achieved for the past year because the previous year, 2022, we accomplished that much, but now, 2023, I think we exceeded what we set our goals,” the military official said.

Monje also vowed they would remain alert and determined to protect the province from the claws of communist terrorism.

“On behalf of the 10th IB groups, we will not pause, kasi wala pa namang peace talks, so we will just assume and we will achieve what we have promised: that the provincial government of Misamis Occidental will be an insurgency-free province,” he said.

Monje added that they will continue the military operations against rebels, aiming to distort peace and stability in the province.

In response, Oaminal vowed the province would continue its close coordination with the Philippine Army to achieve their shared goals for peace and security in the province. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)