FORMER New People's Army rebels and the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon have signed a covenant in a gathering filled with festive remembrance of historical relationships for peace and unity in this part of the country.
Army's 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero said through "Tampuda," former members of the CPP-NPA rebels reconciled with their tribes in Sitio Langusahan, Brgy Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on Nov. 30, 2020.
"After long years of conflict, (by joining some Lumads to the communist movement), the Higaoon tribe and the former rebels finally reconciled, and were reunited through Tampuda (peace pact)," said Cordero.
The indigenous peoples acknowledged the principles and doctrines of kinship as basis of their cooperation, understanding, and unity as descendants of the early inhabitants in the island of Mindanao.
Cordero said with the top military and government officials, tribal leaders pray before the start of Tampuda, a sacred ritual of the “Lumads” (Indigenous People).
"Tampuda is a sacred ritual of the lumads, or indigenous peoples, as a way to settle disputes, and mend gaps between clans having disagreements through unwritten treaties," said Cordero.
Army's 58th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy said leaders of the Higaonon tribe performed a traditional ritual to welcome and accept the Former Rebels (FRs) despite the offenses and atrocities they committed when they were still with the NPA.
"Despite some of the IP leaders missed to come due to the pandemic, still all of them cited peace pacts," said Canatoy.
He said that during the activity, the former NPA rebels emotionally expressed their gratitude to the soldiers and the local government for allowing them to experience a sense of belongingness with their families and tribes.
"Usa ka kahupayan alang kanamo nga gidawat kami sa among tribo bisan pa sa mga kalapasan nga among nahimo kanila," said Lucio Lindaan alias Dino, former platoon leader of NPA operating in Misamis Oriental.
Lindaan said that together with their companions, they are now happy to return to mainstream society with no hatred in their hearts.
Meanwhile, 4ID commander Maj General Andres Centino expressed his support to the IP's conflict resolution to settle disputes among tribes.
He said that the peace pact (Tampuda) would encourage more NPA members to surrender since they will be accepted by their tribes as long as they will ask forgiveness from their leaders and promise to support the tribes and the government's pursuit for peace.
"It is very heartwarming to see the former NPA rebels being reunited with their families and tribal leaders after several years with the communist movement," said Centino.
Centino said, he was glad to see that through the Tampuda, their difference and disputes were settled peacefully.
During ritual, Centino observed IPs are peace-loving people who only wanted a peaceful and productive community.
"Those who join the armed struggle were just victims of deception and false promises of their recruiters who only destroy their culture and traditions," said Centino.
Centino including 402nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. General Maurito L Licudine, Claveria mayor Meraluna S Abrogar, and the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Las Nieves, Agusan Del Norte; Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental; and Balingasag, Misamis Oriental attended the ceremony. (Ben Balce)
