Cebu welcomes rebel returnees

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday said they are not closing the doors to rebels   who want to surrender in their province.

Last week, Dennis Basera, a former rebel leader from Mati, Davao Oriental, received P30,000 financial assistance under the social integration program of the city government.

Basera fled to Cebu amid threats to his life after deciding to leave the armed struggle. His relatives convinced him to surrender to Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante.

Garcia said at least 90 rebel returnees have benefited from the program since its implementation in 2007. The military has declared Cebu as insurgency-free.

Lt. Col. Nolasco Mempin, 78th Infantry Battalion commander, thanked the governor for her support in the campaign against insurgency.

“This is a clear manifestation that attaining peace and progress cannot be achieved through violent means. The financial support from the provincial government to Mr. Basera though he is not a native of Cebu, showed that Gov. Garcia has a big heart for those who want to avail of the social integration program of the government,” Mempin said. – Garry Lao, Freeman News Service