Forty-two rebel returnees received livelihood grants from
the government's comprehensive local integration program (CLIP) in the province of Surigao del Sur.
The former rebels formally took their oath of allegiance to
the government and surrendered their firearms in a ceremony held on Tuesday at
a gymnasium in the town of Lianga
Each of the former rebels were given financial grants
amounting to PhP70,000.00
Aside from the said grant, the rebel returnees will aslo
receive another cash assistance from the "Gun For Peace Program" of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as compensation for the firearms
which they have surrendered
A total of 29 high-powered and low-powered firearms were
surrendered by the former rebels.
One of the rebel returnees, Vilma Quillano, 24, said she
joined the armed movement in 2010 to avenge the death of her mother who died in
an encounter between members of the New People's Army (NPA) and the military in
the province.
However, after giving birth to her son and raising her own
family, she realized the importance of the presence of a mother in a family.
This prompted her to leave the armed struggle in order to devote time to her
family.
“Sa una, dili nako matugkad ang akong kasuko batok sa
gobyerno tungod sa kamatayon sa akong inahan nga sakop sa mga NPA. Pero, tin-aw
na gayud karon kay nakita na nako karon ang kahimtang sa akong anak. Mitigbabaw
ang akong paghigugma kaniya nga dili nako gusto nga masinatian usab niya ang
akong nabatiang kapait nga nasinatian sa akong kinabuhi. Salamat sa Dios ug a
tanang mitabangsa amoa. Balik na sa normal ang among kinabuhi,” ( Before, I
cannot make out the anger I felt against the government because of the death of
my mother who was an NPA member, who died in an encounter between the military.
But as of now, as I think of the welfare of my son, my eyes were opened to the
reality, I clearly see that my family, especially my two-year old son. I found
out that I love him so much. I don’t want him to undergo the same bitter
experiences which I’ve had while I was in the underground. I thank the Lord and
those who have helped come up with these realizations,” she said.
Meanwhile, the AFP also welcomed the return of the former
lawless elements to civilian life and tagged it as a feat for the pursuit of
peace and development in the country.
”We would like to thank our brothers and sisters who finally
decided to live normal lives. Once again, armed struggle is not the solution to
end social, political and economic problem. It is only through peaceful
resolution of conflict. Once again, I urge everyone to take part as a peace
advocates. Let us work together to achieve or common goal so that we can live
in harmony,” said Maj. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, the commanding general of the 4th
Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797533
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