MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)-- There will be no more insurgency problems in the province of Misamis Occidental with the surrendering of the hardcore armed members of the Guerilla Front Sendong, according to Governor Henry S. Oaminal.

Expressing optimism that the province will soon be declared an insurgency-free area, Governor Henry S. Oaminal vowed that the provincial government will assist in the social integration of members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP’s) armed wing, the New People’s Army, under the Guerilla Front Sendong operation in the area.

“Sa atong desire nga ma insurgency free ang Misamis Occidental, ato nanang makab-ot tungod kay ang last hardcore nga member sa Guerilla Front Sendong napa-surrender na nato through the efforts of our Arm-Forces of the Philippines pinaagi sa 10 IB Philippine Army, 1ST ID Division under the leadership of General Viray,” he said.

The governor sees that the total annihilation of armed struggle will be soon achieved in the province, as he eyed the official of Misamis Occidental as insurgency-free in the first quarter of this year.

“In support of our desire nga mahimong insurgency [that we become insurgency] free ta, ato sad gisuportahan ang kalihokan sa [we also support the activities of] the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Army,” he said.

Oaminal said the provincial government will provide a sustainable livelihood program to rebel returnees.

“Also, we come up with the program nga masuportahan ang [that can support the] armed forces in another way by giving cash rewards worth P500,000 and P300,000 sa mga [to the] former rebels nga gi negotiate nga mo surrender nalang sa gobyerno [that are under negotiation for them to surrender to the government],’’ he added.

Oaminal said the provincial government is adamant about pushing through several integrated approaches to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in Misamis Occidental, which will be inclusive of all communities.

Citing the Army’s latest data, Oaminal said only six NPAs are left out of 20 hardcore leaders and members operating in the province—of which 14 have already surrendered to the government forces while three died in separate encounters. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)