MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — The government is ramping up efforts to reintegrate former rebels and dismantle insurgency through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), with local media and public information officers at the forefront.
Retired Maj. Gen. Edgardo De Leon, OPAPRU Regional Adviser for Peace and Development, emphasized that programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers financial aid, protection, and livelihood support, are essential in encouraging more insurgents to surrender.
In a two-day Media and Information Officers Orientation Workshop hosted by OPAPRU and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Malaybalay City from October 2 to 3, De Leon cited the crucial role of media, local government units (LGUs), and former rebels (FRs) in counterinsurgency and peacebuilding.
He said the former rebels provided insights into the inner workings of the New People’s Army (NPA), detailing the fundraising tactics of the NPA in extorting from businesses and individuals through revolutionary taxation, with threats of harm for non-compliance. This further exposes the harsh realities of life within the group, he added.
“They [former rebels] are the keys to exposing CPP-NPA propaganda. Their testimonies have helped the national government and LGUs develop more targeted strategies to counter NPA indoctrination and recruitment,” he explained.
His statements pointed to OPAPRU’s critical role in reintegrating former rebels into mainstream society and addressing the root causes of conflict while promoting a greater understanding of the Localized Peace Engagement and Transformation Program (LPE-TP), which tackles the economic and social issues that fuel rebellion.
Role of media and PIOs in unmasking insurgency
De Leon underscored the responsibility of media and public information officers (PIOs) in exposing the true nature of insurgency.
“The national government and LGUs are now leading the effort to address insurgency while security forces focus on the remaining armed elements. LGUs help curb CPP-NPA operations by shifting away from supporting them,” he explained, emphasizing that transparent, factual reporting can counter NPA misinformation in remote areas.
Government’s push for more surrenders
OPAPRU Undersecretary Atty. Wilben M. Mayor, in a video message, stressed that the orientation aimed to showcase the program’s success stories—real-life examples of change that can inspire more communities to engage in peacebuilding.
He said the OPAPRU’s E-CLIP program, in collaboration with DILG, offers incentives to encourage rebel surrenders. These benefits include financial aid, housing, health services, protection, and opportunities for livelihood, skills training, and employment.
A path to sustainable peace
Usec. Mayor said a strong government presence in remote areas can discourage support for insurgent causes.
“The intensified government programs and incentives have proven to be a powerful tool in encouraging more rebels to abandon their cause and reintegrate into society, providing hope for lasting peace in insurgency-torn regions,” he said. (BGE/PIA 10/Bukidnon)
