TACLOBAN CITY – The 802nd Infantry Brigade has granted the wish of a mother to reunite with her daughter who is an official of the New People's Army through its Wish Upon a Star program.
Rosa Basada and her daughter Realyn Basada from San Rafael, Hinabangan, Samar were reunited through the soldiers’ efforts after 26 years.
Through the program, Rosa appealed to Realyn to come home and be reunited together with her two daughters.
She tearfully begged her to peacefully surrender and have mercy on her as a mother's request. Rosa said she is getting older and does not want to die without seeing her long-lost daughter just like her husband.
Rosa said that she should not be afraid of the government, as they will not harm her, but instead will assist her in living a normal life.
Through continuous effort and collaboration with various stakeholders, the Army was able to facilitate her surrender.
Realyn was secretary of the Sub-regional Committee-Sesame-Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee after taking over the position of alias Moki who died in an encounter with soldiers early this year.
Realyn thanked her mother who did not give up on her despite her old age during her surrender.
“I am alive and finally reunited with my family. Thank you to the soldiers. I was also able to see my former comrades alive,” she said.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, 802nd IBde chief, said he is happy that they have fulfilled the wish of a family to be reunited.
Vestuir said they have five surrenderers to date – three from Samar and two from Leyte.
He said that Realyn disclosed the location of an arms cache composed of 11 high-powered firearms.
“I am calling out all remaining NPAs to respond to the calls of your family members and give up the armed struggle, for there is no safe havens for you except in the loving arms of your beloved families, especially this Yuletide season," Vestuir said.