SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. assured former members of underground mass organizations (UGMOs) in Central Luzon of government support following their return to the fold of law at Camp Olivas here on April 27.

Ebdane, who is chairman of both the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-III) and Regional Development Council (RDC-III), met with the rebel-returnees during the Mass Withdrawal of Support and Oath of Allegiance ceremony organized by the Police Regional Office (PRO-III).

In his message to the returnees, the Zambales chief executive hailed their decision to leave the underground movement and take the path of peace, public order, and compliance with law, and offered government support in return.

“As long as we are here, we will do all that we can for you. And while I am Chairperson of RPOC-III and RDC-III, you just tell me what you need,” Ebdane said.

“I hope that the next time we meet, you will still be around and have increased your number. We will do everything on behalf of the National Government,” he added.

A total of 64 former UGMO members voluntarily surrendered to the government during the ceremony. These included eight from Aurora, four from Bataan, seven from Bulacan, 13 from Nueva Ecija, three from Pampanga, 10 from Tarlac, seven from Zambales and Olongapo City, and 12 from Angeles City.

Their surrender stemmed from intensified community outreach programs by PRO-III and the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), authorities said.

The mass withdrawal ceremony was also attended by PRO-III director BGen Jess B. Mendez, who is also chairman of RTF-ELCAC-III; National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Regional Director Ulyssess A. Untalan; and PCol Angel L. Garcillano, director of the Bulacan Provincial Police Office.

Ebdane also recalled during the occasion former President Ramon Magsaysay’s formula in defeating the communist Hukbalahap rebellion when he became Secretary of National Defense in 1950.

“His approach in defeating insurgency was right hand-left hand,” Ebdane said, referring to Magsaysay’s combined program of military reform and social integration.

“And he made it sure that those who returned to the fold of law were not only received by the community, but also given the chance to make a living,” he added.

Ebdane also said that every surrender by former rebels should be considered an important step to achieving lasting peace in Central Luzon.

“We should serve as inspiration and guide for them to rise again and fully integrate with the society, so that we could all benefit from a stable and peaceful community,” the governor said. – Taktikom News & Features