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24 former rebels in DavOcc get livelihood assistance



DAVAO CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) – The 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army together with the provincial government of Davao Occidental has granted 24 former rebels a livelihood assistance amounting up to P615,000 to start life anew.

 

Each of the surrenderees who were former members of the New Peoples Army, received over P25,000 cash assistance in a recent turnover ceremony in Malita town.

 

“Daghang salamat sa atoang mga opisyal sa 73rd nga tinuod gyud ang ilang giingon nga kung mubaba ko, dili ko maunsa. Wala ko maunsa ug giampingan ko nila ug giatiman (I’m very thankful to our officials of the 73rd because they were true to their words that nothing would happen to me when I surrender. They took care of me,” said former rebel alias “Ka Yoyong” during his testimony speech.

 

“Ka Yoyong” who was part of the dismantled Guerilla Front Tala, has also expressed gratitude to the provincial government for helping and keeping their agreement of not harming the FRs during their surrender.

 

“Ka Cheche”, a commander of the said dismantled guerrilla front, has shared her testimony on how the 73rd IB has taken care of her since she surrendered.

 

“Ang akong pasalamat sa mga livelihood program nga gihatag sa gobyerno. Paningkamutan namo ug sa akong sarili nga maamuma ug akong ibalik ug ipakita sa gobyerno kung unsa makigtinabangay sa programa sa gobyerno nga dili na makabalik ang New People’s Army diri sa Malita (I am thankful for the livelihood program provided by the government. We will try to take care of it, and show the government our cooperation with the government, that we will not return to the New Peoples Army in Malita,” she stated.

 

“Ka Cheche” also mentioned how she urged other family members and acquaintance who are still with the NPAs, to surrender and be one with the government in ending the insurgency in the country.

 

73rd IB Commander Lt. Col. Antonio F. Quimado Jr. said that the financial assistance was a manifestation of the government’s promise to help the former rebels to prepare themselves in reintegrating back to their respective community and earn a living.

 

Davao Occidental Vice Governor Franklin Bautista who also graced the event, hoped that the FRs would take the program seriously and with importance.

 

Bautista said that the government continues to provide the needs of the communities that would also benefit the FRs, such as farm-to-market roads, healthcare system, sanitation and water development program.

 

The local official also urged the FRs to help the government achieve long lasting peace in the province.

 

“Let’s help the government because we cannot do this alone. We need you in maintaining peace and order. All of us should be involved,” Bautista stated.

 

The said assistance was an initiative of Congresswoman Lorna B. Bandigan and Governor Claude P. Bautista, aiming to help the FRs start anew, through the implementation of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the 73rd Infantry Battalion. (PIA-XI/Franchette Delfin)


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