H E A D Q U A R T E R S

8TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

OFFICE OF THE DIVISION PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Camp Lukban, Maulong, Catbalogan Samar

PRESS RELEASE                                                 28 February 2010

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

Contact: LTC ARMAND F RICO (CAV) PA

Office Tel Nr: (055) 251 – 2264 local 3333

Cell Phone Nr: 09167697273

Email Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

NPA rebel yields firearm re-experiences true democracy

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Hardship, hunger, insecurity, false hope and discouragement are just some of the numerous reasons enunciated by the former rebel after he decided to voluntarily submit himself to one of the members of the Charlie Company of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion, 12:30 P.M., Friday.

Reports disclosed that Lemy Oronuz, 23 years old, known to be Joshua in the underground movement belongs to Pingkoy Platoon of the Front Committee Leyte. He is a resident of Brgy. Oguesan, Mac Arthur, Leyte and stayed in the NPA organization for reasonable years.

According to Orunuz, he can no longer withstand with the torment that he and his comrades are experiencing in the underground movement to include their long awaited realization of the promises they received when they were recruited.

Orunuz also said that his other comrades are already showing their intention to follow his footsteps of going out into the open to re-experience the true democracy that was long deprived by the party and the movement.

He also added that they are being encouraged by the testimonies of their former comrades who already availed the government’s Social Integration Program (SIP) which further negated their belief in the lies that whoever will surrender will be killed by the military.

Orunuz voluntarily submitted himself to 19IB soldier bringing along his issued M16 rifle with three (3) long and three (3) short magazines loaded with live ammunitions.

With this development, 8ID Commander, Maj. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero assured Orunuz of his security while his name is immediately enrolled in the SIP program.

“I personally appreciated the right move and decision done by Lemy. He is still young and he can do more with his age and correct the wrong decision in the past and can still make his future brighter”, Maj. Gen. Tabaquero added.

“I reiterate my previous call to our brothers in the underground movement whom I considered victim, to follow the good decision done by Lemy and make their future more fruitful. I also enjoin other agencies, people’s organization, local government units and cause oriented and progressive groups to share their part in our advocacy to stop insurgency that serves as the sole reason why the province’s peace and development is at stake.” Maj. Gen. Tabaquero concluded.