Army exec urges rebels to rejoin society

By Geraldine G. Dumallig

BALBALAN, Kalinga- -  An Army official  here  urged Filipinos to help convince lawless elements to lay down their arms and join mainstream society and live a normal life with their families.

501^st  Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Roger Salvador, aired this  following  the recent  encounter between government soldiers and  alleged New People’s Army rebels  at the outskirt of Barangay Maling, this town.

Based on report by the Army, members of the Scout Platoon of 17th Infantry Battalion under 2Lt. Czar  M. Carsido and Platoon of Bravo Company, 54th IB under 1Lt. Roland M Carinan while conducting the usual patrolling  encountered  around 15 NPA rebels  which resulted to the killing in action  of PFC Mike L Quizagan  and  wounding PFC Elvis Macario and PFC Albert L Abordo.

Three were reportedly mortally wounded on the NPA side as witnessed by the troops.

Salvador said “The AFP will always be at the side of the people to stop those who threaten their community’s peace and security with violence. The army will be always ready to serve and die if necessary, so that others may live,” he said.

Salvador urged all rebels to lay down their arms and  surrender and take advantage of the existing AFP Guns for Peace Program, a remuneration package entitled to support those who surrender  and the livelihood assistance from the Comprehensive Local Integration Program .

Some benefits await those who would willingly want to live a better life to help them start a new life as normal citizens of the country, he said.