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FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City: Major Gen. Juanito Gomez,
commanding general of the Army’s Seventh Infantry Division,
reiterated on Monday the call to members of the rebel movements to
return to the fold of the law to foster peace especially “in the
spirit of Christmas.”
Gomez said it is high time for the members of
the New People’s Army and Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng Bayan to come
down from the mountains and enjoy the amnesty offered by the
government.
The Army, he said has opened the door for those
who would wish to surrender and live normal lives with their
families particularly this Christmas.
He ordered soldiers to provide assistance to
rebel returnees so they can avail of all the benefits provided them.
Maj. Fernando Los Bañes, Seventh Infantry
Division spokesman, said that based on information they gathered,
many NPA members are just waiting for an opportunity to surrender.
He admitted though that many remain loyal to the movement and are
willing to die fighting for their belief rather than return to the
mainstream and live with their respective families.
Meanwhile, a total of 302 soldiers from
different units under the Seventh Infantry Division with ranks
ranging from corporal to master sergeants have been promoted to a
step higher. The promotion, the Army said, was reached after a
deliberation by the promotion board and approved by Gomez.
--Armand M. Galang
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