DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, Feb. 18 (PIA) – A round of applause from the community welcomes the 25 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels after they received cash and other livelihood assistance from the government.
The warm welcome was reciprocated with tears and smiles of relief from the former rebels (FRs) and their family as they shared the hardships they encounter while still being a member of the communist armed group.
Majority of the surrenderees were youths, who served as combatants, recruitment personnel and medical staff.
Their return to the folds of law was announced during the “Bayanihan Outreach Program” held recently for Barangays Tinuyop and Sta. Maria in Leon B. Postigo town, as part of the initiative of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) of Zamboanga del Norte.
Ray of Hope
With the intensified campaign of the government to end insurgency in influenced and threatened areas, more NPA rebels are putting down their arms and pledged back their allegiance to the government.
Solidifying their return, they signed commitments of support and relate their harrowing experiences as rebels to raise awareness and give hope to their comrades who are still operating in the mountains.
“Permi ming gutom, walay kaon. Ang among nasinati grabe kapait sa grupong walay tumong kung dili ang paggubot sa mga komunidad ug pakigbisog batok sa gobyerno,” shared Rocky, one of the FRs.
(We were always hungry. What we’ve gone through inside was very difficult. We were fighting a pointless war, causing ruckus in communities and opposing the government.)
Marie, who is also among the returnees, related she was treated well by the military upon her surrender contrary to stories fabricated by the NPA that they will be raped and abused if they turn themselves in to the authorities.
Marie’s mother, who was in tears, embraced her daughter and expressed her gratitude to the government for paving the way and helping her daughter’s return.
Poverty as main culprit
There is truth to the adage “where the roads end, insurgency begins”. Hard to reach communities are often the most vulnerable in the recruitment of communist armed groups.
Poverty causes this vulnerable sector that are mostly indigenous peoples to be exploited and used in machinations perpetrated against the government.
This is where the Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte comes in, to rally government services in far-flung communities through its flagship advocacy of a “whole of nation” approach.
“This is proof of the government’s effort for inclusive growth. This is proof that the government cares for everyone, even those in hard to reach barangays,” said Leon B. Postigo Mayor Hermogenes Cordova during the Bayanihan Outreach.
Infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges, are now laid down in several priority areas of Zamboanga del Norte province and other parts of Zamboanga Peninsula which are identified with security threats, for smooth and faster delivery of government services.
The Philippine Army reported they are securing about 100 infrastructure projects in critical areas in the different parts of the region and some areas in neighboring provinces worth more than P5 billion that are now ongoing.
Funding proposals are also on the way for various towns in the province such as Sergio Osmeña, Leon B. Postigo, Baliguian, Sirawai, Labason, Sindangan and Siayan.
All out Bayanihan
On full throttle, the Zamboanga del Norte PTF ELCAC spearheaded its first Bayanihan Outreach activity benefitting over 2,000 residents from the barangays of Tinuyop and Sta. Maria in Leon B. Postigo town.
Beneficiaries of all ages lined-up for free medical and dental services, legal assistance, haircut, circumcision (tuli), food packs and seedlings distribution.
Moreover, the Provincial Government provided 7 carabaos and 10 goats to farmer’s association, tools for carpentry were also distributed, including t-shirts and slippers for the young and old.
Children enjoy treats like ice candy and “lugaw” (Arroz Caldo). While the senior citizens were delighted with the free reading glasses. Bundles of “Ukay-ukay” were also shared among the beneficiaries.
In his message, Governor Roberto Uy said “kita kinahanglan magtinabangay, maghinigugmaay. Kabalo ko unsa kalisod inyong kinabuhi diri. Ang atong gobyerno karon lahi na. Tabangan mo kung unsa inyong mga problema. Busa istoryahi mi ninyo.”
(We have to love and care for one another. I know how difficult your lives here. We now have a responsive government, so tell us your concerns so that we can address them.)
Meanwhile, Brigade Commander Col. Leonel Nicholas of the 102nd Brigade expressed his gratitude to the support of the community and the local officials in the municipality and barangays saying “without the community’s unwavering support in the government, this would not be possible. Let us continue to work together. We will not stop until the NPA will cease to exist”
Each of the 21 rebel returnees received P20 thousand cash assistance from the Provincial Government through the Office of Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWDO); while four (4) FRs received P50 thousand as livelihood assistance and P15 thousand as immediate assistance under the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034805
Moreover, the Provincial Government provided 7 carabaos and 10 goats to farmer’s association, tools for carpentry were also distributed, including t-shirts and slippers for the young and old.
Children enjoy treats like ice candy and “lugaw” (Arroz Caldo). While the senior citizens were delighted with the free reading glasses. Bundles of “Ukay-ukay” were also shared among the beneficiaries.
In his message, Governor Roberto Uy said “kita kinahanglan magtinabangay, maghinigugmaay. Kabalo ko unsa kalisod inyong kinabuhi diri. Ang atong gobyerno karon lahi na. Tabangan mo kung unsa inyong mga problema. Busa istoryahi mi ninyo.”
(We have to love and care for one another. I know how difficult your lives here. We now have a responsive government, so tell us your concerns so that we can address them.)
Meanwhile, Brigade Commander Col. Leonel Nicholas of the 102nd Brigade expressed his gratitude to the support of the community and the local officials in the municipality and barangays saying “without the community’s unwavering support in the government, this would not be possible. Let us continue to work together. We will not stop until the NPA will cease to exist”
Each of the 21 rebel returnees received P20 thousand cash assistance from the Provincial Government through the Office of Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWDO); while four (4) FRs received P50 thousand as livelihood assistance and P15 thousand as immediate assistance under the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034805
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