October 6, 2000, The Manila Bulletin, 609 MILF men surrender with arms, by Brenda P. Tuazon,

Erap guest at Siargao event today

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - President Estrada yesterday welcomed 609 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) back to the fold of the law as he urged them to once again become productive and respected citizens.

Resuming his confidence-building initiative in Mindanao that was halted by a military offensive to rescue the remaining Abu Sayyaf hostages, the President flew in here yesterday, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, to accept the MILF surrenderees.

The rebel returnees were led by their battalion commanders whose forces fought in Camp Abubakar, the rebels' final command post, and other satellite camps against government troopers.

Yesterday's event was the first mass surrender of MILF rebels since government troops wrested the MILF stronghold in Camp Abubakar from rebels' hands.

The President acknowledged the contribution of the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army under Maj. Gen. Roy Cimatu and his men "for overunning 14 major MILF camps and 25 others."

He also commended the officers and troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines "for their gallantry, loyalty, and unwavering commitment in defending the nation's territorial integrity."

"Our people will long remember what you did here, and we will always remind ourselves of the bravery and courage of the troops that walked these gorunds. This will serve to enrich the roster of heroes that are now marked in the history of our nation," the President said.

Following the rites that included the surrender of arms used by the rebels in their struggle, the President vowed to see to it that government will take care of them as they returned to the mainstream of civilian society.

"It is with much enthusiasm that I join you today to share with you this siginificant and historic ocassion," the President told the former rebels.

He assured them that their decision to return to civilian life signals a fresh start not only for them and their families, but for millions of Filipinos who, he said, "have grown tired of conflict and violence."

The Chief Executive also told the former rebels that he was "deeply pleased with their decision to renounced their armed struggle" and asked them to join the government in rebuilding the strife-torn island of Mindano.

This kind of conflict, he said, is something that both ranks do not like, adding that it is harmful not only to both sides but to the country in general and to coming genrations of Filipinos - "whether Christians, Muslims, or lumads."

In war , no one wins. In peace, we stand to gain. This is the legacy that we must bring to our people," the President said.

The 609 former rebels, he said, can expect increased economic activity to be fueled by infrastructure projects in Mindanao.

Mr. Estrada cited the concreting of the Lake Lanao circumferential road, the installation of power lines from Malabang to Marawi City, and the reconstruction of communities among Christians and Muslim families in Lanao provinces affected by the fighting.

In addition, he said the government will make sure that the Cagayan de Oro- Iligan-Pagadian highway will be safe for travel.

Each returnee was given by the President P2,500 in emergency cash and P12,000 as livelhood loan assistance, as provided for under the Reunification and Development Council Program to initially help them rebuild their lives.

Under the Balik Baril Program, the President also authorized a payment of P2.6 million for surrendered arms totaling 400, including five light machineguns and piles of assault rifles.

Towards the end of the rites, the President called on the former rebels to celebrate "the day they made the decision to rejoice with their families in leading a life of peace."

Surfing Cup

GEN. LUNA, Siargao Island - National and local officials of Surigao del Norte will lead welcome rites here for President Estrada who is the main guest of honor and speaker during the opening today at the three-day (Oct. 6-8) 5th Siargao International Surfing Cup at Tuason Point, Cloud Nine Beach Resort, this island.

On hand to welcome the President are Rep. Constantino H. Navarro, Jr. (Lamp, 1st Dist.), Gov. Francisco T. Matugas, Gen. Luna Mayor Cecilia L. Rusillon, Del Carmen Mayor Arlene E. Navarro and other municipal mayors and officials.

Congressman Navarro said President Estrada's visit is part of the Chief Executive's nationwide sorties aimed at fast-tracking the government's development efforts in all regions of the country, particularly in Mindanao.

The 10 a.m. opening program includes a welcome address by Governor Matugas, inspirational talk by Tourism Secretary Gemma Cruz Araneta, recognition of participants by steering committee chairman Jaime Rusillon, introduction of guests by Vice Gov. Boy Yuipco Jr., introduction of the guest speaker by Rep. Navarro, and President Estrada's speech.

President Estrada will lead the ceremonial breaking of the surf board assisted by Secretary Araneta, Undersecretary Orestes Ricarforte, General Manager Angelito T. Banayo, Director Salome Tan-Salcedo, Gov. Matugas, Rep. Navarro, Vice-Gov. Yuipco and Mayors Rusillon and Navarro.

This will be followed by the President, together with NEA Administrator Conrado Estrella III, leading the ceremonial "switching-on" of his Rural Electrification Project which will light 11 more barangays in Siargao.

The NEA and the Siargao Electric Cooperative have already totally energized 54 barangays, also through Navarro's initiative in five towns of the island, namely, Del Carmen, Gen. Luna, Sta. Monica, San Benito and Burgos, Navarro said.

The 2 p.m. initial surfing competitions will be preceded in the morning by indigenous Filipino games such as sipa-takraw, palo sebo, pabitin, kadang-kadang, karera ng sako and agawang baboy.

Saturday and Sunday activities, aside from the surfing competitions, are kite-flying festival and workshop, surfing clinic, fireworks display, media familiarization tour, sand castle making contest, baroto race, and volleyball games.

Gaining attention from world-class surfing enthusiasts, the Siargao Surfing Cup is being promoted as a special event by the Association of Surfing Professionals-Australasia prior to its inclusion in CY 2001 World Qualifying Surfing series.

Henceforth, it will be calendared as one of its qualifying events beginning year 2001.

Expected to participate are well-known and rated surfers from Australia, Japan and other countries. Roy Norris, ASP-Australasia marketing and promotions manager, promised a 30-minute television show on the event every day for one week in Australia. (Edgar J. Tamayo)