MURCIA – Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. Saturday again called on the New People’s Army to end their armed struggle and join him in the battle against poverty.

The governor issued the call at the 26th founding anniversary of the 303rd Infantry Brigade at Camp Major Nelson Gerona here, where he was all praises for the military unit.

Marañon described the 303rd IB, headed by Col. Oscar Lactao, as a “very disciplined unit (of the Philippine Army) that has done so much (for Negrenses) without fanfare.”

The 303rd IB has worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices to bring development to the countryside, aside from securing Negrenses from all threats, he said.

Admitting that he sounded like a broken down record, the governor in calling on the rebels to join the fight against poverty, said there can be no progress without peace.

“We can win the fight against poverty if we are united”, he said.

Since last year, the Negros Occidental provincial government has provided livelihood and financial assistance to 56 rebels, who have abandoned the armed struggle.

“We are more than willing to assist and provide you with livelihood opportunities, as well as send your children to school,” Marañon said, as he reiterated his call for the rebels to end their violent way of life.

Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, 3rd Infantry Division commander, also commended the 303rd IB for having zero human rights violations in 2011 and in the first five months of this year, citing records of the Commission on Human Rights.

The 303rd IB has been adjudged for three consecutive years as the “best brigade” of the 3rd ID, which supervises the internal security operations in Negros and Panay islands.

Under Lactao, the 303rd IB has completed 23 peace and development projects in the hinterlands of Negros Occidental, facilitated the surrender of 56 rebels and captured several high ranking leaders of the NPA in Negros island, including Romeo Nanta, its regional commander.

Assisted by Lactao, Marañon pinned medals on 15 outstanding soldiers of the 303rd IB, while Mabanta distributed plaques of merit and appreciation to civilian awardees, including EB Magalona Mayor David Albert Lacson, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, businessman Gerald Joseph Sarrosa, Fiscal Ranela de la Fuente, Fr. Aniceto Buenafe, Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena, Anna Marie Lucasan of the Public Affairs Division of the provincial government of Negros Occidental, TESDA director Lorena Yunque and the Occidental Negros (Host) Lions Club, headed by Dr. Hector Torre.

A special plaque was also given to Supt. Alexander Muñoz, Victorias police chief, for the arrest of Roberto Espinosa, an alleged regional officer of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros.*GPB

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