Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, bridage commander, identified those who surrendered as Randy Osotio alias Bango; Yzemaima Dizon (Meagan), Geraldine Castillo (Gemma), Ronaldo Alcaide (Rolly), Shiela Ustari (Irene), Marissa Abiador (George), Allan Estanes (Elly) and Jose Mejeco Gallejos (Jeff).
“Of the eight, Estanes and Gallejos operated in Aurora province,” said Carmelito Pangatungan, 702nd information chief.
Bautista presented the eight returnees to Major Gen. Ralph Villanueva, commander of the Fort Ramon Magsaysay-based 7th Infantry Division (7ID) at the 702nd IB headquarters in Barangay Calaannan here on Saturday.
Villanueva, in turn, welcomed the rebel returnees even as he encouraged the remaining rebels to surrender and enjoy the benefits of the government’s reintegration program. Reconciliation and reintegration, he stressed, is the top priority in the government’s Internal Security Operations (ISO).
“We will continue to reach out to our fellow Filipinos who are still in the Communist Terrorist Movement to return to the folds of law and live peaceful lives. We appeal to them to give peace a chance. There are other ways to solve the issues they are fighting for.” Villanueva said.
Bautista said the returnees will undergo to the process of the Social Integration Program (SIP) which provides economic support to former rebels who voluntarily surrendered.
