BORONGAN, Eastern Samar – The military has intensified its special operation team (SOT) by representing a guerilla theater drama recently in remote Barangay Barobo, Llorente town, this province.

The 62 nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion conducted the SOT for three months, culminating with the drama viewed by the barangay folks of Waso, Antipolo and Barobo, all in Llorente, to further convi0nce the rur6al populace to repulse the enticement of the rebels.

The path to Barobo employs three modes of transportation, from Llorente proper a jeepney that traveled some 15 kilometers ending a river that has to be crossed by a banca as there is no bridge yet, and a single motorcycle for the last 300 meters. Barobo is nestled in verdant hills but with no electricity.

The drama in several acts complete with curtain raising and musical scoring was written and directed by Lt. Alex Elnar. The play started with a scene where some students were being convinced to join the rebel forces. Once inside the organization they witnessed the difficulties and risk of being a “kasama” (word from a comrade in the hills). The play ended with the death of one kasama and the surrender of the new recruit along with the veteran commanders, supposedly NDF men.

Richard Martizano, a Bible Prayer leader from the men of the 62 nd Unifiers played the lead star Ka Manny. Others in the cast included other soldiers of the same company, there wives and some actors and actresses from Barobo.

Onlooker’s particularly the children squatting in the plaza were glued to their places. One scene, however, had them scampering to find their nearest kin. This was when army men meet their nemesis and an ensuing “gunbatle” took place. The sound effects sound real that the children became scared.

The Unifiers capped the third month of the special operations by convincing the rural folks to remain steadfast in their faith in the Arroyo government and not be deceived by the leftists’ efforts to reverse the situation.

Guests included the staff of Llorente Mayor Anton Cardona, the rural health unit staff, some media men, barangay officials of adjacent Barangays Waso and Antipolo. Chairman Rudy Ty was very happy that the activities came, saying their place receive very few visitors due to its remoteness.

Major Julian Marcos, the battalion executive Officer, congratulated his soldiers for a job well done and informed the barangay populace that for the Army, “walang malapit at malayo,..at mas malayo mas gusto ng sandatahang lakas.”

Marcos reiterated his group’s mission, which is informing the grassroots of the projects and programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The drama, titled “Dalan han Kamurayaw, Tipakadto han Kauswagan,” visibly entertained the villagers.