Ex-rebels form group to rebuild lives

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 26, 2021): Ex-rebels form group to rebuild lives (By Sarwell Meniano)

NO LONGER 'REDS'. Officers of the Leyte-Tandaya Integrated Peace and Development Workers Federation during their first general assembly in Matag-ob, Leyte on Thursday (Feb. 25, 2021). More government support awaits the 231 former rebels in Leyte province formed into an association to help rebuild their lives shattered by armed conflict. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

More government support awaits the 231 former rebels in Leyte province who formed an association to help rebuild their lives shattered by armed conflict.

This first initiative of the local task forces to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) was to formalize the Leyte-Tandaya Integrated Peace and Development Workers Federation, an organization of former New People’s Army (NPA) fighters who abandoned the communist terrorist group's ideology in the past years.

Tandaya refers to the name of Leyte Island during the Spanish era.

"By organizing them, they can easily access government programs and support each other in their journey to fully reintegrate to communities," Capt. Kaharudin Cadil, Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, said in a phone interview Friday.

On Thursday, at least 191 of the 231 association members joined the first general assembly held in Matag-ob, Leyte since their formation last November 2020.

The members are from Ormoc City, Baybay City, Calubian, Carigara, Jaro, Leyte, Villaba, San Isidro, Tabango, Mahaplag, Hilongos, and Kananga towns.

Among the highlights of the gathering were the election of officers, signing of the manifesto, oath-taking of officers, presentation of issues and concerns of former rebels, and distribution of food packages.

Cadil said various government agencies and non-government organizations have committed to extending skills training, livelihood grants, and financial aids to the association.

Some parts of northwest Leyte were strongholds of NPA until about a thousand fighters and die-hard supporters surrendered to the government on April 13, 2019.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131899