Former rebels thank gov’t for reintegration into society

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 13, 2024): Former rebels thank gov’t for reintegration into society (By: Aurea Marie Belgera)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — Twenty-seven former rebels or friends rescued (FR) thanked the provincial government and other national government agencies for their effort to reintegrate them into society.

The former rebels, now known as the new peace advocates, hailed the government for the numerous benefits they have received and thanked it for its support.

In a testimony, peace advocate, alias Freddie, shared his experience as a former member of the CPP-NPA-NDF, expressing gratitude to the government for giving them another opportunity to start a new life.

“Kini ang example nga andam jud diay nga dawaton ta sang aton ginikanan, gin-away ta ang gobyerno pero bisan pa gin-away ta gobyerno, nakig-away ta gobyerno pero karon, ginpamatud-an na andam gihapon ta bag-ohon sang gobyerno,” he pointed out.

(This is an example of how the government is looking after our welfare. We fight against the government, but despite that, it has given us another opportunity to return to our community, be productive citizens again, and have a better life with our respective families.)

He also urged his former comrades to surrender, as well as his fellow FRs to help themselves fully embrace change.

The provincial government of South Cotabato recently held a completion ceremony for the 27 FRs, during which they received their certificates from the various programs they had enrolled in and successfully completed.

The FRs underwent a 45-day reintegration program in the South Cotabato provincial government halfway house facility while they were evaluated for further assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The 45-day reintegration program, according to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and ECLIP Head Secretariat Sonia Bautista, aims to equip FRs with basic education through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS).

In addition to education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided them with technical skills in carpentry and agriculture, ensuring that their learning aligns with the demands of the local job market.

Bautista emphasized that the skills acquired by the former rebels “should be relevant and in demand to ensure their smooth transition from conflict to community life.”

Acknowledging that most of the FRs were undocumented, Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) initiated the registration of the former rebels with its system, giving them PhilHealth cards during the graduation ceremony.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with the provincial government, also distributed financial assistance amounting to P25,000 to each of the FR as they embarked on a fresh start.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also committed to continuously supporting the implementation of the program for the former rebels.

Bautista then expressed her gratitude to the convergence efforts of various government institutions, especially for extending their full support to successfully implement the ECLIP, and urged partner agencies to continuously offer their support to improve the implementation of the program not just in South Cotabato but in the entire region.

ECLIP, the flagship program of the Philippine government, supports former rebels who have decided to abandon armed struggle in favor of a peaceful and quiet life under the government’s legitimate leadership.

The program aims to address the root causes by providing comprehensive assistance to the FRs, including livelihood training and educational opportunities, to help promote lasting peace and development in conflict-affected areas.

In another message, former rebel alias Jack shared his excitement about securing decent jobs, contributing to their communities, and leading a life free from violence and conflict after graduation.

“Ang hinabang sa gobyerno pang gawas lang, pero dapat inyo kag ako nga kaugalingon ang magbag-o kini, bisan pa unsaon ka tabang sang gobyerno sa atong 27 kabuok og sa uban pa nga mag-abot kung atong kaugalingon wala nato gintabangan wala gihapon. Dako nga pagpasalamat nako sa gobyerno sa kani nga programa, unta maka huna huna pud ang naa sa babaw na tama na kas, balik na ta sa gobyerno,” he said.

(The government’s assistance is only temporary, and it is up to you and me to drive change. No matter how much the government helps us all—27 of us and others who will come after us—if we don’t help ourselves, nothing will change. I am very grateful to the government for this program, and I hope those still on the mountain can also think that enough is enough and be able to return to the fold of government.)

Bautista is confident that the graduation of the former rebels symbolizes not only newly acquired skills but also a readiness to embark on a new chapter of their lives. (AMB – PIA Region 12)

https://www.pia.gov.ph/former-rebels-thank-govt-for-reintegration-into-society/