ALBUERA, Leyte, (PNA) — The Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) recently released livelihood assistance to 13 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as part of the activities to highlight the Peace Month celebration.
Each of the former rebels (FRs) received not less than P50,000 during the distribution held at San Pedro village of Leyte’s Albuera town. The fund can be utilized to start a livelihood project for them to support their family.
Gwendalynn Malate, focal person of Leyte Comprehensive Local Integration program (Leyte-CLIP), said that the awarding of livelihood and basic assistance to former rebels was already its fifth 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 meticulous verification of their papers, Malate said. But some of these FRs already received their immediate assistance before, she added.
Col. Rafael C. Valencia, Commander of 802 Brigade, 8 Infantry Battalion 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.
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.
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.
For his part, Leyte Vice-Governor Carlo 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.