AFP Radio DWDD: 5 Former Rebels Receive Livelihood Assistance in Ilocos Sur

Posted to AFP Radio DWDD (May 23, 2022): 5 Former Rebels Receive Livelihood Assistance in Ilocos Sur

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija -- As part of the government’s efforts to assist and give hope to the Former NPA Rebels, in their reintegration to the mainstream society, the Department of Labor and Employment Ilocos Sur in partnership with the 71st Infantry (KAIBIGAN) Battalion, Philippine Army, distributed livelihood starter kits to five FRs at the 71IB Headquarters, Paraesus Berde, Barangay Poblacion Norte, Lidlidda, Ilocos Sur on May 20, 2022.

According to the Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, MGEN ANDREW D COSTELO PA, said that the program was made successful through the concerted efforts of the 71IB, 69IB, 702nd Infantry (Defender) Brigade, and the Department of Labor and Employment of Ilocos Sur. In addition, the program is affirmatively intended to benefit the former members of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya South Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS) who returned to the folds of the law.
Each FR received 20,000 pesos worth of livelihood starter kits which includes sari-sari store packages, e-loading with sari-sari store, and fish ball retailing. 

“We are grateful to our DOLE Ilocos Sur headed by Ms. Charity A. Ubilas for their livelihood program benefiting our FRs. Malaking bagay po ito para makapagsimula na silang mamuhay ng mapayapa at malayo sa karahasan. That is why we are urging you to use this livelihood opportunity to help yourselves and your family for a better future,” said MGEN COSTELO. 

Meanwhile, alias ‘Juan’, one of the recipients, expressed his deepest gratitude to the Army, DOLE, and other government agencies who welcomed them openly upon their voluntary surrender and provided them with various assistance to help them start a new life. 

“Kahit kami ay galing sa kabila, na naging kalaban ng gobyerno, laking pasasalamat namin sa tulong ng Philippine Army at ng ibat’ibang ahensya ng gobyerno na nagbibigay sa amin ng pag-uumpisahan. Ito ay isa sa mga magagandang proyekto ng gobyerno at nakikita at nararamdaman namin iyon.

 Nagsurrender kami, nagbalik-loob kami, hindi pa nila kami pinabayaaan. Iba’t-ibang mga ahensya ng gobyerno ay nagtutulungan upang kami ay magabayan sa aming pagbabagong-buhay. Kaya nanawagan pa ako sa mga natitira naming mga kasama sa kabundukan na hindi pa huli ang lahat. Ang mga kasundaluhan ay mababait at totoong aalalay sa ating pagbabalik-loob. Totoo ang mga proyekto ng ating gobyerno para sa ating mga naligaw ng landas,” said Alias Juan.

Meanwhile, LTC MICHAEL BAUTISTA, Commanding Officer of 71IB, on behalf of Brigadier General Krishnamurti A Mortela PA, 702BDE Commander recognized the cooperation of the FRs to return to the folds of the law and start their lives anew away from hardships and risks in the terrorist organization.
Further, he expressed his gratitude to the Department of Labor and Employment for the agency’s unwavering support of the NTF-ELCAC.

DOLE Ilocos Sur OIC Ubilas, signified their assistance and support to Army under Executive Order No. 70. 

“The Department of Labor and Employment of Ilocos Sur is always open and willing to provide the necessary assistance to our brethren who chose to live peacefully and end the local communist armed conflict. This is our way to perform our task as one of the PRLEC member agencies to support the thrusts of the NTF-ELCAC so that peace and development will be achieved in our province,” said Ubilas.

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