IBA, Zambales – Two former New People’s Army rebels received financial assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program in a simple awarding ceremony at Balin Sambali here recently.
Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., together with DILG provincial director Armi V.
Bactad, provincial social welfare and development officer Merle C. Pastor,
provincial police director Col. Fitz A. Macariola, and acting commanding officer of
the Philippine Army’s 3 rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Lt. Col. Jeszer M. Bautista,
personally handed the assistance to the former rebel.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami dahil sa kabila ng pagkalihis namin ng landas ay
nabigyan pa kami ng pagkakataong magbalik-loob at makatanggap ng ganitong
mga benepisyo at tulong,” one of them said.
Bautista said the Army is always open to accept rebels who want to surrender and
start a peaceful life with their family: “Ito ay isang buhay na patotoo na mayroong
pag-asang nakaabang sa mga susuko at magbabalik loob na mga rebelde, hindi pa
huli ang lahat, huwag ninyong sayangin ang pagkakataong makasama ang inyong
mga pamilya.”
“Mayroong programa at benepisyo na inilaan ang pamahalaan, makipagtulungan
upang atin nang makamit ang ganap na kapayapaan at tuloy tuloy na kaunlaran,”
he furthered.
7th Infantry (Kaugnay)The Army’s 7 th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division commander Maj.
Gen. Andrew D. Costelo has continuously encouraged former rebels to use the
financial assistance they receive in meaningful ways: “I hope that the amount you
receive will be the stepping stone you need to start a peaceful life with your
family.”
“Our government is always here to help our fellow Filipinos who have been
deceived by our enemy, let us warmly welcome them as they embrace the life
they once wish to have,” Costelo added.
