Eighty-three Dumagat rebel supporters led by their chieftain have renounced their support to the “Ganap na Samahang Baseng Masa” during simple rites in Bulacan.
The Dumagats were from Sitio Inoman, Brgy. San Lorenzo, Norzagaray town.
The presentation, oathtaking and signing of the mass base returnees was held in Victory Church, Barangay Sumapang Bata in the said city.
Present in the said event were Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., AFP Commander 2nd ID, PA; MGen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., AFP Commander 7 ID, PA; Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, PRO3 Regional Director, Brig. Gen. Rolando Asuncion (ret); Deputy Director NCA 3; Lt. Col. Rimrad Feraer, (GSA) PA, 80 IB Batallion Commander: Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, and Darwin David, provincial director DILG;
Based on the report from the 80th Infantry Batallion (IB), Barangay Captain Josephine de Mesa, of Sitio Inoman, Brgy. San Lorenzo in Norzagaray accompanied the 83 Dumagat indigenous group headed by their chieftain Lacio Dela Rosa to the 48th IB to renounce its support to the “Ganap na Samahang Baseng Masa”.
De Mesa said the 83 rebel supporters were coming from the 50 families living in Sitio Inuman which is an eight-hour walk to Brgy. San Lorenzo.
“Sa layo nila sa kabihasnan kaya madali silang naniniwala sa mga pangako ng makakaliwang grupo,” the lady chairman said.
The continuous Local Peace Engagement activities of the Philippine Army such as information dissemination, situational interview, made the Dumagats aware of the government programs and the opportunity to change their lives.
According to Brig. Gen. Rolando Asuncion (ret); Deputy Director NCA 3, the return to the mainstream of the society of the former 83 Mass Base “Ganap na Samahang Baseng Masa” will be eligible to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (e-clip) for rebel returnees.
“They will be provided with a holistic package of benefits that they can avail, such as livelihood, medical, education, housing, and legal assistance,” Asuncion added.
Meanwhile, Gov. Fernando said, suportado ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan ang inyong ginawa pagtalikod sa makakaliwang grupo para sa pang-matagalan na kapayapaan.
“I will help and support you sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Fernando added.
The governor gave them financial assistance and food packs after the oath taking and signing ceremony.
On the part of Col. Cajipe, he said the Bulacan police together with the RTF-ELCAC and the AFP will remain committed to secure, ensure and implement law and order – all for the well-being of the Filipino and for our future generations