Six former rebels presented to Abra gov

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 15): Six former rebels presented to Abra gov

Six former rebels (FRs) were presented to Governor Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos by the 24th Infantry Battalion at the provincial capitol last November 14.

These are from Tubo, Sallapadan and Licuan-Baay towns.

Five of them will be enrolled under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program and each will receive P15, 000 worth of immediate assistance and P50, 000 worth of livelihood assistance.

The other one has already availed the Social Integration Program of the government. Bernos directed them to use the money for the good of their family and appealed that they never go back to ways and ideologies that do not serve their purpose.

“The government is always here to welcome and assist you,” said Bernos. “But how do we know that you will never go back to the mountains and turn your weapons against the people and the government again?”

One of the FRs shared his life in the mountains - unfree, starving, away from his family and unable to do things he wants in life.

He said that he realized how unproductive he was all those years. He and his fellow FRs vowed that they will never waste this chance to better their lives.

DILG Provincial Director Millicent G. Cariño and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head Decimia D. Cabang witnessed the presentation.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3191479100480/six-former-rebels-presented-to-abra-gov-