Thursday, June 19, 2014

Palawan gov't awards P25,000 each to 8 rebel returnees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): Palawan gov't awards P25,000 each to 8 rebel returnees

Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez awarded eight rebel returnees with P 25,000 each Wednesday as his leadership’s commitment to help them get back into the government fold and live normal lives again.

Alvarez personally handed over the cheques to the rebel returnees in a simple ceremony, which they may use as start-up capitals.

Their names were not mentioned during the event to protect them against reprisals by their comrades in the communist-terrorist movement.

The funds, he said, are part of the local social integration program for rebel returnees under his administration’s IHELP (Infrastructure, Health, Education, Livelihood and Protection of the Environment) development agenda.

“It is IHELP’s goal to extend help to those who have left the arms movement to have something to start with for their families. Let’s join hands together to make Palawan’s development sustainable by living in lasting peace,” Alvarez said in his message.

Aside from the financial assistance, the rebel returnees will also be given Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth cards under the Kalingang Pangkalusugan para sa Pamilyang Palawenyo Program (KalingaPPP).

The awarding was witnessed by Vice Governor Victoriano Dennis Socrates, PNP Provincial Director P/Supt. David Martinez and Western Command commander Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda.

On the other hand, Martinez, in a short message, congratulated the beneficiaries for deciding to trust the government again.

“You can expect that we will continuously guide you on your return, and that we will support you in your goals to improve your lives,” Martinez said, calling on other rebels in Palawan to surrender and live the life of peace and harmony.

He also thanked the provincial government for keeping true with its commitment to help rebel returnees in Palawan back in the government fold and start new lives.

He said that often, rebel returnees programs end without good results because local governments do not give support to those who avail of it.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=654888

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