Army confident of insurgency waning in Davao Oriental as government addresses roots of dissent

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19): Army confident of insurgency waning in Davao Oriental as government addresses roots of dissent

A top military officer expressed confidence that the insurgency problem in Davao Oriental will totally die down as the government and stakeholders continue to reach out and strengthen the effort to assist former rebels to start life anew.

Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade said the provision of livelihood checks to the nine rebel returnees only shows the seriousness of government to address the roots of insurgency.

“This endeavor proves that the government, along with its various agencies, civic and volunteer organization partners, are sincere in resolving insurgency in the country,” he said.

1Lt. Isis Achanzar said that nine former rebels received a total of P495,000 livelihood assistance during the launching of the half-way house for former rebels and the turn-over of the insurgency campaign from the military to the local government of Davao Oriental last week.

The amount was divided equally to the returnees with each of them receiving P55,000.

She recalled that eighty former rebels in the area were also given livelihood training skills and financial assistance in 2012.

“Majority of them avail of the services from government provided through the halfway house in Barangay Don Martin Marundan in Mati City, Davao Oriental,” Achanzar said.

Governor Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental said the halfway house is designed to prepare the former rebels to be integrated back to their community.

She said facility will provide comprehensive services such as counselling sessions, spiritual enrichment services, educational services, health services, skills and livelihood trainings, sports development, therapy session and workshops coming from various agencies.

“With all these interventions, we look at the half-way house as a project that will provide an environment for the total healing and preparation of rebel returnees for complete integration in mainstream society,” Malanyaon said.

One of the recipients could hardly believe that he is one of the beneficiaries.

Angelo Corte was overwhelmed and thanked the government that despite their involvement in the rebel group, they were given a chance to return to the folds of the law.

“I am very thankful that even being a rebel before, I can still benefit such things from the government,” he said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381366248353