CAMP DATU LIPUS MAKAPANDONG, Awa New Leyte, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur – Former New People’s Army rebels who recently surrendered to the military celebrated New Year’s Eve with officers and men of the Army 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade at their headquarters here.
Alias “Commander Boss” or “Mark” (surname withheld for his safety and security), former commanding officer of a guerilla front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, and nine of his command groups with squad leaders happily joined the soldiers of the 401st Brigade under Brig. Gen. Andres Centino in celebrating New Year’s Eve.
Government soldiers welcomed their former foes as they waited for the “media noche.” Soldiers and former NPAs shared the food while others enjoyed singing.
“This is really a very historic event,” said Centino, adding this is their very first time to celebrate New Year with the former enemies of the State. “Despite several decades of fighting the CPP-NPA, I still believe that it is still best to choose the path to peace,” he said.
“To our brothers and sisters who just returned to the government last Christmas Day, I am happy that you chose the path to peace just in time for this Yuletide season,” Centino said.
“Let us work together for a peaceful 2019 by helping us convince your former comrades to follow suit in heeding to the government’s call for peace. Let them know that we welcome former NPA members who returned to the fold of the law and that they are taken cared of just like what we are doing with you,” said the Army 401st Brigade commander in his New Year’s Eve message during the program. (Mike U. Crismundo)