TACLOBAN CITY – Another mother’s wish was granted by the Peerless Troopers through the Wish Upon a Star Program of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, as after 26 years, Rosa Basada and her daughter, Realyn Basada, from San Rafael, Hinabangan, Samar were finally reunited through the soldiers’ efforts.
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. She is getting older and does not want to die without seeing her long-lost daughter, just as her husband did. She further stated 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.
With continuous effort and collaboration with various stakeholders, the Army was able to facilitate the surrender of alias ‘Lorry.’ She was the 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 against the government troops early this year.
During her surrender, Reallyn expressed gratitude to her mother who did not give up on her despite her old age. “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 shared.
Brigadier General Vestuir PA, commander of 802IBde, said seeing the families finally come together gives joy in his heart as well, knowing that they have played a part in making another wish come true. To date, he said that they already have five surrenderees. Three of them are from Samar while two are from Leyte.
He added that Realyn disclosed the location of 11 more 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 haven for you except in the loving arms of your beloved families, especially in this yuletide season,” Vestuir said. (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail December 16-22, 2024 issue)
