TACLOBAN CITY-In yet another effort to end the insurgency problem in Eastern Samar in particular, a program was launched on Wednesday (Oct.4) active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) are encouraged to return to the fold of the law by their own loved ones.
The program, Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (FReE Families) was launched in Borongan City and attended by several mayors of the province and military officials led by B/Gen. Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade which is based in Borongan City.
It was learned from Vestuir that 29 family members of 19 active NPA rebels attended the launching of the program.
The FReE Families project aims to help the families of active NPA members from the anxiety caused by the continued membership of their relatives in the communist armed group, he added.
“Since hatred ang puhunan ng NPA, para ma recruit sila, pagmamahal naman ng pamilya ang pantapat natin dyan para bumaba na sila,” Vestuir said.
The Army official said that these family members are also being pressured by the leaders of the NPA to join or support the armed struggle through disinformation such as instilling hate and fear of the government.
Governor Ben Evardone expressed his support and commitment on the program, Vestuir said.
“Let’s show them that love can defeat the anger planted by the CPP-NPA in the hearts of your relatives. As the Army Commander here in the southern part of Samar, I assure you that they will be treated well once they surrender,” Vestuir said.
Eastern Samar like its neighboring provinces of Samar and Northern Samar continues to face the problem on insurgency.
Military officials in the region have projected to end the insurgency problem within the year or early next year.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
