17 Leyte rebel returnees receive livelihood assistance from OPAPP

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 19): 17 Leyte rebel returnees receive livelihood assistance from OPAPP

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) awarded livelihood financial assistance to 17 rebel returnees was conducted at Barangay Canhandugan, Jaro, Leyte Friday (November 16). The Government’s Social Intergration Plan being implemented by the OPAPP continues to attract and help Former Rebels (FRs) to come back into the folds of law by giving livelihood financial assistance.The activity led by OPAPP representatives, was attended by Leyte Governor Mimietta Bagulaya represented by Leyte PSWD Officer Mrs. Clotilde Malatbalat and Colonel Rafael Valencia, the 802nd Brigade Commander, represented by Colonel Dinoh A. Dolina. The former rebels received P50,000.00 each to start a livelihood project which shall be monitored regularly by the OPAPP and other concerned agencies. Aside from livelihood financial assistance, the activity also highlighted the distribution of certificates to former rebels who had undergone the Social Preparation Training or Livelihood Training administered by the military through the 19th Infantry Battalion and the Provincial Social Welfare & Development (PSWD) Office of Leyte. OPAPP representative Atty. Maricel Bantilo said that the giving of livelihood assistance to FR’s varies dependent on the reintegration plan submitted and identified by them based on their choice, skills and capability to sustain such project.  Dolina, in his speech, called on the community to join hand-in-hand in advocating peace and help encourage armed groups to surrender and go back to the mainstream society. Dolina also said that as declared and promised by the newly installed Brigade Commander Valencia, the 802nd Brigade will find ways to grant additional financial assistance to former rebels who will voluntarily surrender with firearms in addition to the assistance they will receive from OPAPP. It may be recalled that on August 23, 2012, former rebels also received P10,000 each from the Provincial Government of Leyte as Initial Financial Assistance held at Barangay Roxas, Burauen, Leyte.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1141353305534