Former rebels’ support for gov’t peace, dev’t programs lauded

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13, 2021): Former rebels’ support for gov’t peace, dev’t programs lauded (By Jason De Asis)

‘SAMBAYANAN’ LAUNCHING. Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry Battalion delivers his message during the launching of the Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (SAMBAYANAN) in Aurora province on Saturday (June 12, 2021). SAMBAYANAN is an organization composed of former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who abandoned their allegiance to the underground communist movement. (PNA photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – A top military official has lauded the Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (SAMBAYANAN) for its support to the government's peace and development programs.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, said the support of SAMBAYANAN is vital in the government’s efforts to end the insurgency.

“Insurgency problem is not only for the military but for everyone. That’s why I am extremely elated by your initiative and responsibility to eradicate this decades-long formidable threat to our country’s security and development,” Rubio said during the formal launching of the SAMBAYANAN-Aurora chapter here on Saturday.

SAMBAYANAN is an organization composed of former key members of the New People’s Army (NPAs) who abandoned their allegiance to the underground communist movement.

During its launching, some 52 individuals composed of former rebels and exploited local populace in the province attended.

Col. Julio Lizardo, provincial director of the Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO), said the Philippine National Police (PNP) supports SAMBAYANAN in its aim to back the vision, mission, and goal of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in implementing an efficient mechanism and structure for the whole-of-nation approach.

“Nagpapasalamat ako na ang mga piring na tinanggal ng dating miyembro ay ginamit upang mabuo ang SAMBAYANAN. Sa pagkakataong ito, iisa tayo sa pambansang paglaban upang wakasan ang communist insurgency sa bansa. Sama-sama nating buuin ang nawasak na pundasyon ng lipunan --ang pamilya, kabataan at pananampalataya (I am thankful that the blindfold removed by the former members were used to form SAMBAYANAN. This time, we are united in the national struggle to end the communist insurgency in the country. Together, let us rebuild the shattered foundation of society -- the family, youth and faith),” Lizardo said.

The event was highlighted with the dialogue and election of officers of the SAMBAYANAN-Aurora chapter, an overview/film showing of SAMBAYANAN Gitnang Luzon, and BARANGAYAnihan activity where the APPO offered food packs to the participants.

Likewise, the Department of Trade and Industry awarded livelihood assistance to seven former rebels in the same event.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143560