Former rebels receive gov’t assistance

Compostela Valley Province, March 30, 2016  – Fifteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from various areas of the province go back to the folds of the law and receive cash and livelihood assistance from the national and provincial government of Comval.

The 15 rebel returnees were presented by Colonel Macairog Alberto, commander of the 1001st Infantry Pag-asa Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to Vice Governor Manuel E. Zamora representing Governor Arturo T. Uy during the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) at the Social Hall, Capitol building on March 22.

Each of the rebel returnees received P5,000 as immediate cash assistance, food packs and other materials such as mosquito nets, blankets  and others, for their respective families.

The rebel returnees were also given temporary shelter by the provincial government, meals and other livelihood assistance through a “half way village” somewhere in Nabunturan.

Vice Governor Zamora urged the rebel returnees to completely abandon armed struggle and to become productive members of their respective communities and hoping that this will encourage others.

“Salamat nga inyong gireplayan akong pag sampit kaninyo, salamat pud sa pag testing unsay kinabuhi sa gobyerno kay nalipay ko nga nagbalik-loob mo kay makita ninyo nga kaming naa sa gobyerno kanunay nagalantaw sa inyung kaayohan,” Zamora told the returnees in his message.

Provincial Director PSSUPT Albert Ignatius D. Ferro said Filipinos, whether from the government or rebel sides, have been fighting for years yet the armed confrontations have given nothing but the loss of precious lives to the country.

“Tama na ang patayan at pag-aaway away sa kapwa natin Pilipino, sana yung mga kapatid natin na nasa bundok pa ay bumaba na para magkaisa na tayo dahil pangit tingnan na kapwa Pilipino ay nag papatayan,” Ferro said.

The rebel returnees will also undergo seminars and trainings as part of the evaluation of the Comval Support Units for their educational background. Such as on agricultural production, electrical and other skills and technical education under the CLIP program of the government.

The DILG said the technical education will help the returnees become productive when they are reintegrated to their respective communities.

Also attending the ceremony were Deputy Brigade Commander of the 1001st  Brigade Col. Gilbert Saret, Executive Officer Battalion Commander of the 46IB Major Crismond Mercado, Provincial Administrator Virgilia S. Allones, Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Head Josephine Frasco and other members of the armed forces of the Philippines. (Rey Antibo, PGO-IDS)