13 former rebels receive livelihood assistance

ALBUERA, Leyte – In line with the Peace Month celebration, 13 former NPA rebels in Leyte received livelihood assistance from the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) last Thursday, September 5 at Brgy. San Pedro, municipality of Albuera, Leyte. Each former rebel received not less than P50,000 to start their own livelihood to support their family.

Gwendalynn Malate, focal person, Leyte Comprehensive Local Integration program (Leyte-CLIP) said that this awarding of livelihood and basic assistance to former rebels was already the 5th since it started during the time of former president Corazon Aquino. The former rebel-recipients came back to the folds of the law before January of 2013 and passed into meticulous verification of their papers, Malate explained. But some of these FRs already received their immediate assistance before, she added.

Rev. Fr. Edwin C. Perito, Civil Society Organization, member of Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) reminded the recipients that their change should not only for external but from the heart and since they already accepted the government they should also be close to the church. Fr. Perito also gave an option for their livelihood that coconut water can be sold to the archdiocese. Col. Rafael C. Valencia, Commander, 802nd Brigade, 8th Infantry Division of Philippine Army said that the activity is a continuous program of OPAPP and the provincial government of Leyte. He appealed to the FRs to encourage their friends and relatives who are active rebels to lay down their arms and continue their aspiration without using arms. Col. Valencia believed that any problem of the country can be resolved in a peaceful manner. The big-hearted brigade chief implored that the activity was a proof to the public that the government is indeed serious in their programs in bringing peace to the community.

Col. Valencia advised the FRs to take care and to flourish the assistance that they got to have a good life for their children. A female former rebel (name withheld) who represented the FRs affirmed to support the programs of the PA. She said if given a chance to lead and convince their former comrades, she will explain and show them the sincerity of the government. “Magsibaba na kayo dahil hindi maiwasan na marami ang lamok at minsan makakain minsan hindi,” she said.

It was learned that the female former leader held various position in the CPP/NPA in Leyte. She was in the group for 10 years, got married and raised kids in the mountain. She then realized that her primary responsibility as a mother was neglected so she decided to surrender. She is now serving as a barangay secretary in their community. The former red fighter expressed her gratitude to the Philippine Army who gave another chance to start a new life. Leyte Vice-Governor Carlo Loreto said that peace is very rare because of indifferences. The vice governor wished that conflicts would be enough in words not to sort in arm struggle. In a separate interview, Vice Gov. Loreto said that peace can be achieved if everybody participates, cooperates and unite.

Lyra Dela Cerna sent the message of gratitude of Mayor Ramon Dela Cerna to OPAPP and the Philippine Army in making such activity to ensure peace in their municipality. The program concluded with a peace covenant signing with the OPAPP, Provincial Government of Leyte, Municipal Government of Albuera, military, former rebels, Brgy. San Pedro officials and the technical working group from different communities under the area of responsibilities of the 19th IB headed by LTC. Nedy C. Espulgar and 78th IB headed by Col. Adonis R. Bajao.