PA 10th ID: First transition House in the region for former rebels, launched in Davao Oriental

Posted to the Facebook page of the 10th Infantry Agila Division Philippine Army (Apr 10):  First transition House in the region for former rebels, launched in Davao Oriental

City of Mati, Davao Oriental –The Provincial government of Davao Oriental in partnership with the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade, 7ID, Philippine Army launches Halfway House intended for the Former Rebels at SitioMagay, Brgy Don Martin Marundan, Mati City and Area Clearing Com...pletion Ceremony and Joint Declaration of Commitment to Sustain the Gains of the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) in the Province morning of 10 April 2013.

The 10-room transition house for the former rebels, the first in the region, can accommodate 60 persons. The 56 Former Rebels who received a total of 2.7 million worth of livelihood program through local social integration program last July 26, 2012 from the government are the first beneficiary of this program.

“The halfway house is designed to prepare the former rebels to be integrated back to their community. The facility will provide comprehensive services such as counseling sessions, spiritual enrichment services, educational services, health services, skills and livelihood trainings, sports development, therapy session and workshops coming from various agencies,” Hon. governor Corazon Malanyaon said.

Following the inauguration is the Area Clearing Completion Ceremony and Joint Declaration of Commitment to Sustain the Gains of the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) in Davao Oriental Province at Honey’s Restaurant in Mati City.

Col Rey Leonardo B Guerrero, Brigade Commander of 701st Brigade said, “The peace and security being experienced today is very much different some years back. It was made possible through the unwavering commitment and generous support of various stakeholders, provincial government and the different line agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders of Davao Oriental to the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP). The same commitment and support is deemed crucial to the sustainment of the gains of PDOP in the cleared areas as we continue our security operations in areas threatened to be recovered by the NPAs.”

Recognizing the fact that the internal peace and security affects the various sector in the country, approach to national security must also be cognizant of the key role the affected sectors must play in the pursuit of lasting peace and security. Putting an end to the works of the CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN) is not the sole responsibility of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is a shared responsibility of the civil society, as well. On this note, the Armed Forces of the Philippines have embarked itself on a new strategy, the IPSP “BAYANIHAN”.

Heightened insurgency threats hindered the delivery of services in far flung barangays and derail the Province’s development efforts. With the combined resources and security efforts of the government agencies and the AFP, 167 barangays were cleared from the affectation of the CNN.

More importantly, a total of 156 sustainable livelihood projects spread all across the different barangays were implemented. These accomplishments provided physical and psychological barriers, leading to the suppression of the CNN in the Province of Davao Oriental as manifested by the very few minor CNN activities and the drastic reduction of its manpower, further proving their “displacement” from the province.

LT GEN JORGE SEGOVIA, EastMinCom Commander said, “This Grim chapter in the history of Davao Oriental officially ends today as we declare completion of our Clearing Program through our genuine peace and development campaign. Contrary to rebellion, our soldiers were able to prove that Peace is the best path to progress."

“Despite the disruptions in our operations caused by Typhoon Pablo and the several other factors that significantly delayed the completion of our area clearing effort, we are gratified to announce that we were able to successfully complete the clearing of the 183 barangays of Davao Oriental from NPA influence and drive their regular armed units outside of our provincial boundary. As such we enjoined everyone for greater collaboration and coordination to ensure that there are no gaps in the security coverage of all these activities.” Guerrero added.

“Today, I give my full commitment to help in sustaining the modest gains that we have accomplished, thus far. Together, we have done so much and together we can still do more. Together lets fulfill the promise of a peaceful and progressive Davao Oriental” Gov Malanyaon said.

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Released by:

CPT REGENALDO B CELADA
Civil Military Operations Officer
H701Bde, So.Magay, Brgy Don M. Marundan,
Mati City, Davao Oriental
Contact nr: 09399178747
Email: kagitingan_701@yahoo.com

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