MADDELA, Quirino (PIA) -- Two former rebels received livelihood assistance from the project 'Kumusta Ka' of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC) in Quirino province.

Boyet and Jojo (not their real names) were given a cow and a fishing net each. 

Joan Javier, chairperson of the Company Advisory Group (CAG) said the cattle were provided by the provincial government through its Cattle Breeding Station. 

“We thought of reaching out to the former rebels who chose to return to the folds of law to know their conditions and additional needs to be able to start a new life with their families,” Javier said. 

Police Lt. Col. Anthony B. Lozada, force commander, said the project aims to reach out to former members of the CPP-NPA to monitor the progress of the benefits they received from the government.

Lozada said the activity aims to facilitate the reintegration of individuals into civilian life, fostering a path toward peace, reconciliation, and prosperity.

“We aim to address their needs, offer rehabilitation and promote sustainable peace and development in the community, gather information, assess former rebels’ status of living, and strengthen their ties in the community,” Lozada added.

Boyet said returning to the folds of the law after many years of living in the underground was the best decision he made adding that his life is better now that he is with his family and enjoying the blessings from the government.

“When I was still with them ( CPP-NPA), we used to ask for food from residents in nearby barangays, we didn’t have income, now, I am already working in the government and have a regular source of income to support my family,” Alias Boyet said as he expressed thanks to the 1st QPMC, CAG, and the provincial government.

He also urged his former colleagues to surrender to be able to avail of the programs of the government. 

“Mga kasama ko, bumaba na, kasi ang ganda ng programa ng gobyerno para sa inyo. Hindi kayo matakot na bumaba. Naramdaman ko na ang love ng government. Yun lang po at maraming salamat po,” Alias Boyet said. 

(My companions, surrender now as the government has good programs for you. Don't be afraid to surrender. I can feel the love of the government. That's all and thank you.)

Jojo also urged his former group mates to go down and enjoy their lives in the community with their families.

“Mga dating kasama ko sa bundok, mag-isip na kayo ng paraan para makababa para makamit naman ninyo programa ng gobyerno natin. Bibigyan din nila kayo ng baka at saka lahat ng binibigay ng gobyerno para sa inyo,” Jojo said. 

(To my former colleagues in the mountain, think of means so that you can surrender and you can also avail of the programs of our government. They will also be given cattle and other assistance that they can give you.) (OTB/TCB/PIA-2, Quirino)