310 former returnees undergo decommissioning

(Photo Courtesy of Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers Facebook)

By: Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – 310 rebel returnees underwent decommissioning process that started on September 16, 2019 inside the camp of the Army’s 3 lnfantry Division (3ID) at Brgy. Jeana Norte Jamindan, Capiz.

The rebel returnees were formerly combatants of the Revolutionary Proletariat Army-Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) that returned to the fold of law last Sept. 8, 2019. They came from eight Peace Development Authority areas in Western Visayas.

The surrenderers turned over to the government 207 assorted firearms and explosive devices.

While at the custody of the military, the surrenderers underwent a 2-month training for Special Active Auxillary (SCAA).

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit Camp Peralta on Sept. 19, 2019 for a dialogue and formal demilitarization of the returnees.

Last week, one of the rebel returnees committed suicide by hanging inside the Army camp due to alleged depression.

Gaudioso Batoy, 42, single and native of lbajay, Aklan was found hanging by a fellow surrenderer.