24 rebel returnees in Agusan Sur received livelihood assistance

From the Philippine  Information Agency (Dec 13): 24 rebel returnees in Agusan Sur received livelihood assistance

Twenty four rebel returnees (RR) early this month received P50,000 each as livelihood assistance from the national government’s Social Integration Program (SIP) under the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) here at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall at the Provincial Capitol. The cash assistance were personally handed out by Vice-Governor Santiago Cane Jr. representing Governor Adolph Edward Plaza and witnessed by Brig. Gen. Nestor Añonuevo, 4th Infantry Division Chief, Col. Romeo Ramon, 401st Brigade Deputy Commander, Lt. Col. Jose Leonard Gille, 26th Battalion Commander, Sen. Supt. Glenn dela Torre, PNP Provincial Director, DILG Provincial Director Arleen Ann Sanchez and Provincial Correctional Services Management Officer Josefina Bajade.

Bajade, in an interview said the cash assistance are for dissidents who yielded their arms and returned to the folds of the law in 2010 and 2011. The former rebels also received P20,000 each as emergency assistance at the time when they surrendered. Giving utmost priority in the attainment of sustainable peace in the province, the provincial government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office then headed by Bajade, provided RR and their families with assistance in the form of food, shelter, education and livelihood skills trainings. “Amo usab sila gitagaan ug tukmang seguridad tungod naa man sila’y gipang-surrender nga armas nga gikasuko sa ilang mga daang kauban sa bukid”. (We also provided them with corresponding security because they have surrendered their firearms that made their comrades mad at them),” Bajade added.

With the distribution of the cash assistance and the help that the provincial government has extended to the RR, Vice Gov. Cane is hopeful that the rebel returnees will effectively use the aid in their quest for a new and peaceful life as productive citizens in the community. The vice-governor urged them to engage in planting high value crops like fruits, vegetables and trees which the provincial government is advocating and supporting like the Upland Sustainable Agro-forestry Development program or USAD. “Every Filipino has the obligation in order that we obtain genuine peace in our country and we should not wait what the government can do for us, but we also have duties and responsibilities on what we can do in order that we can obtain the peace and prosperity that we long for,” Vice Gov. Cane said.

The recipients are Jacquilyn Fernando of Sta. Teresa, Loreto; Marjun Campos of Tandang Sora, Esperanza; Roel Librero of Afga, Sibagat; Danilo Gomez of Coalicion, San Luis; Arin Matebulig of San Pedro, San Luis; Gomez Cogit, Lito Cogit, Ansogal Guinumbay, Domingo Domelin, Richard Handayan, Juanito Malumogdong Jr., Edwin Leganio, Mampahina Lucdayan, Mayadi Madanay, Sammy Mansal-agan, Kaking Sadangga and Birmo Tambagan, all of Binicalan, San Luis; Danilo Balamban and Rodel Gonzales of Kasapa 2, La Paz; and Lagno Mandanay of Angeles, La Paz, all from Agusan del Sur while Jerome Salonga, Richard Gonzales, Jimmy Butron and Joseph Butron are from Angeles, Butuan City. In return, the 24 rebel returnees expressed their gratitude to the government agencies which helped them return to their normal lives since laying down their arms after realizing the futility of their armed struggle.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1731355294235