Matuguinao former rebels, now town’s peace builders

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 22, 2020): Matuguinao former rebels, now town’s peace builders (By Golda Mier Tabao)

CATBALOGAN CITY, July 20 (PIA) - - The Former Rebels (FRs) of Matuguinao, Samar are now peace builders of the said town as they participated in a round table discussion with the Samar Task Force-ELCAC.

They are now called peace builders because they participate in the discussions and formulation of plans that will ultimately usher in lasting peace to their communities, said Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Ms. Alma Austero.

The discussion centered on the joint efforts of the government and the FRs in addressing the insurgency problems in Matuguinao.

LTC Jasper Pecson, Battalion Commander of 19IB, Philippine Army, assigned in the area said the ELCAC aims to create long lasting peace not just in Matuguinao but all over the country.

“No amount of money can compare to the joy of having a peaceful community, and living a normal situation where one can engage freely in the community,” Pecson said.

Austero of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, discussed to the FRs the benefits of their surrender under the E-CLIP Program as well as the Local Social Integration Program of the provincial government.

Mr. Vicente Candido of the Department of Trade and Industry in Samar also discussed what their office can offer in terms of livelihood assistance and the raw materials available in the area that are possibly viable for business.

On the other hand, even if the former rebels have already left their old ways, they are still haunted by the thought that they are now the targets of the communist group.

One FR expressed his fear and sought for an advice, knowing the possibility of NPAs threatening or even killing them.

LTC Pecson advised him to immediately report any suspicious instances as the military forces will do their best to protect them.

Another former rebel, resentful of his decision in joining the communist armed group, expressed his interest to join the military service.

“I am now enrolled at the Alternative Learning System (ALS), if I graduate from this program, can I still become a soldier even if I was then a part of the rebel group?” he asked.

LTC Pecson encouraged him to continue his education and even take up skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), then join the military once there is a special enlistment, considering that he is already beyond the age requirement.

“If the opportunity comes and you get to study, even if life is hard, seize it,” LTC Pecson said, as he encouraged the others to enroll, too.

It was found out that most if not all of the former rebels, have no birth certificate to which the panel from the Local Peace Engagement (LPE) Cluster said that this concern will be raised to the Local Civil Registrar.

Ms. Golda Meir Tabao of the Philippine Information Agency - Samar explained the importance of Birth Certificate in education, employment and in availing of the different services under ELCAC, such as Philhealth insurance.

The former rebels also expressed their interest in the different skills trainings available from TESDA.

Among their interests include small engine mechanic and barbering.

The Local Peace Engagement Cluster is set to have another round of discussion with the peace builders to further identify the basic services they need. (GMT/PIA-Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048188