Govt task forces hold summits for ex-rebels

From the Manila Times (Nov 28, 2022): Govt task forces hold summits for ex-rebels (By Roselle R. Aquino)

CAVINTI, Laguna: The Provincial Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-Elcac) of Laguna and Quezon conducted three-day summits for former communist rebels in Pagsanjan, Laguna and General Nakar, Quezon, respectively, on Nov. 23-25, 2022.

With 76 participants from the two provinces, the summits aimed to draw the support of the ex-insurgents for the national government's efforts to end the former's armed struggle; empower them to become third-party advocates of peace-building initiatives; and inculcate the value and importance of the family as a basic institution as they complete their integration into their respective communities and mainstream society.

In Quezon, the provincial integrated livelihood program of the Department of Labor and Employment and Department of Trade and Industry handed over additional economic assistance to the ex-rebels.

In Laguna, they undertook one-day skills training in food processing initiated by the Technical Skills and Development Authority (Tesda) and received food packs from partner agencies in the province at the conclusion of the summit.

Highlighting the summits were consultations between the participants and local and national government agencies where the ex-rebels were given opportunity to ask questions.

Later, representatives from the agencies shared their respective messages of support and commitment through government services.

In his statement, Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander, 202nd Infantry Brigade, commended the concerted efforts among the government agencies for their continuous assistance to the former insurgents.

Toni June Tamayo, regional director, Tesda-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) attended the closing program of the Laguna summit as keynote speaker.

"Our agency has developed and implemented an efficient and effective system to help you gain skills and knowledge in managing a sustainable livelihood income that will be key to the betterment of your lives," he told the participants.

Mayor Eliseo Ruzol Sr., concurrent chairman of General Nakar TF-Elcac, was also present at the Quezon summit.

Burning of the flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People's Army and the National Democratic Front capped the summits.

The participants expressed their commitment and support in helping the government's information awareness campaign and at the same time encouraged their former comrades to return to the folds of the law and prevent the recruitment of members from the vulnerable sectors.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/28/news/regions/govt-task-forces-hold-summits-for-ex-rebels/1868115