Ex-PBA star, Army extend aid to former NPA rebels in SK

Aside from rice, the group also distributed new clothes to the IP community. (Photo By Ronald benito – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat— Former PBA star Kenneth Duremdes on Wednesday donated solar panels to former members of the communist New People’s Army at an Indigenous Peoples (IPs) community in Senator Ninoy Aquino (SNA) town of the province.

In partnership with the local government, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc and Duremdes, more known in the PBA as “Captain Marvel,” trekked the mountain village of Kuden to distribute solar panels that will light the former guerillas’ homes.

Cabunoc told the former rebels to live normally and work hard for their families.

Aside from rice, the group also distributed new clothes to the IP community.

“Sa gabi, maliwanag na ang kanilang mga bahay dahil sa solar panel (At night their homes will be lighted by the solar panel),” Cabunoc said.

At least 60 communist rebels under Guerilla Front 73 operating in the mountains of SNA and nearby Bagumbayan, also in Sultan Kudarat have surrendered to military authorities since May this year.

Earlier, Cabunoc presented six former rebels to Sultan Kudarat Governor Pax Mangudadatu who has been supportive of the Army’s campaign to save IP members who were duped by NPA leaders.

Cabunoc said the rebels will be extended livelihood assistance through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.