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Manila Bulletin

Philippines

Army officers, men stand as godparents in christening of former rebels' daughter

Philippines

Army officers, men stand as godparents in christening of former rebels' daughter

By Liezle Basa Iñigo

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija –The 70th Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Eugene F Garce, facilitated the christening of the baby daughter of a couple, who were former rebels, at the St Catherine Parish, Arayat, Pampanga on March 26, 2022.

(Photo courtesy of 70IB / MANILA BULLETIN)

Major General Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the Seventh Infantry Division, said on Monday that it was part of their commitment to assist the former rebels in living new lives.

The christening had Army officers and enlisted personnel standing as godparents to the daughter of former New People's Army (NPA) rebels Ramer Donasco and Julie Anne Balana.

According to Costelo, the Army values this important occasion in the lives of the former rebel couple as they now enjoy the essence of freedom from the clout of the communist organization.

He noted that assisting Donasco and Balana after their surrender to the government was just a manifestation of their sincerity in encouraging the remaining members of the communist group to surrender as soon as possible.

Balana was pregnant with her and Donasco's baby when the couple surrendered in December last year bringing with them high-powered firearms.

In January of this year, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl at ELJ Hospital in Cabanatuan City. They were assisted by the Provincial Task Force ELCAC in Nueva Ecija and the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division.

“Kami po ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng tulong na naibigay sa amin. Kami po ay naligaw ng landas ngunit ginabayan nyo po kami sa aming pagbabalik loob,” Julie Ann said.

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