A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) gave birth to her firstborn son in a military hospital inside the Western Command (Wescom) yesterday, June 3.
Captain Orchie A. Bobis, spokesperson of 3rd Marine Brigade confirmed that the ex-rebel called “Ka Hanna” gave birth via C-section performed by military doctors at Wescom’s Camp General Artemio Ricarte Station Hospital (CGARSH).
“The delivery was through caesarian operation and was handled by the military doctors and nurses. We just contacted a civilian anesthesiologist to assist our military team kasi wala pa tayong anesthesiologist dito sa Wescom [sa ngayon],” Bobis said in a press statement.
She recalled that the said former NPA member surrendered to government troops in November last year and was rushed also to CGARSH due to high-risk pregnancy caused by her severe urinary tract infection (UTI) of which she was hospitalized for more than a week.
Meanwhile, 3rd MBde Commander, BGen. Nestor C. Herico said that after giving birth, “Ka Hannah” is now in stable condition.
He noted that since her surrender, the 3rd MBde has stood by her side to ensure her safe delivery, with the support of national and local social welfare offices.
“Yung mga marines natin hindi ‘yan tumigil na alalayan ang mga dating NPA sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay. Nandiyan din lagi ‘yung DSWD at PSWDO na madaling lapitan lalo na sa financial assistance and cash for work ng mga dating rebelde,” Herico said.
Bgen. Herico further stated that they are committed and sincere in their mandated tasks to help those who wish to lay down their arms and return to government folds and reiterated that surrendering peacefully is the best option the rebels have compared to engaging in the armed struggle.
“The government is really sincere in our mandated tasks lalo na sa mga nakasaad sa EO 70, kaya hinihimok ko ang iba pang mga nasa bundok na itigil na ang paglaban sa gobyerno, yakapin ang mapayapang pagsuko at tanggapin ang mga benepisyong kayang ibigay ng pamahalaan sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay. Lagi nilang tatandaan, kailanman ay hindi malulutas ng armadong pakikibaka ang mga isyu nila,” 3rd MBde Commander pointed out.
The rebel returnee, “Ka Hanna” expressed her gratitude to the marines and the PTF-ELCAC for ensuring her and her baby’s healthcare.
“Kulang ‘yung salitang ‘Salamat’ sa lahat ng tulong na ibinigay sa amin ng marines, ng Pa PTF-ELCAC lawan Task Force-ELCAC, ng DSWD at PSWDO. Simula sa pagbubuntis ko hanggang sa manganak ako, nandiyan ang gobyerno na umaalalay sa akin at sa partner ko,” she said with full of emotions.