Former rebels from Barbaza, Tibiao, Culasi, and Sebaste, all in northern Antique, attend a dialogue with the members of the Provincial Task Force ELCAC. (Photo: PIA Antique)
SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA)—The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) recently held a dialogue with former rebels (FRs) to discuss ways to take advantage of the government’s programs and services.
These FRs have appealed for government assistance, saying they returned to the government fold in the 1980s and 1990s. Most of them claim they have not gotten government aid.
Barbaza Municipal Mayor Roberto Necor lauded PTF-ELCAC’s initiative to organize the dialogue for peace in his town so the government could hear their concerns.
“Nagapasalamat gid kami sa mga miembro kang Provincial Task Force ELCAC sa tiempo kag patipon ridya sa amun banwa para taw-an ka igtalupangud ang ginapangabay kang mga anay FRs,” said Necor in Kinaray-a during a media interview.
(We thank the members of the Provincial Task Force ELCAC for giving time to gather the FRs and paying attention to their concerns.)
About 16 FRs from Barbaza, four from Tibiao, six from Sebaste, and two from Culasi attended the dialogue at the town’s evacuation center.
Two of the attendees are in their 80s: “Lucing” (not her real name) is 82, and “Tony” (not his real name) is 83.
PTF-ELCAC lead convener Margie L. Gadian echoed the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring that the needs and welfare of the FRs are given attention.
During the dialogue, “Daisy” (not her real name) used to be a member of the New People’s Army in the ‘80s and returned to the folds of the Law only in 2007, including those whose families need livelihood or medical help.
“Tay Juan” (not also his real name) in his late 50s pleaded for medical help due to a lingering illness supposedly caused by a bullet lodged in his body when he was still an active member of the communist armed group.
More concerns were discussed during the dialogue, mostly centered on the need to provide livelihood assistance and training, medical consultation and other healthcare needs, and immediate assistance for food and other necessities.
Each member of the PTF ELCAC was given the chance to present their respective programs and services that could respond to the needs of the FRs, including the assurance of free consultation and referral for further medical help to “Tay Juan.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Manolito F. Montiel of the 301st Brigade of the Philippine Army commended the decision of the FRs to return to the folds of the law and reunite with their families, as the government is committed to helping them reintegrate and regain their normal lives.
Police Provincial Director Col. Lea Rose B. Peña urged the FRs to take advantage of development programs geared towards helping uplift their families and never think about returning to the communist insurgents.
Though these FRs are not qualified to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), Provincial Social Welfare Officer (PSWDO) Larry Petinglay assured them that the provincial government is committed to helping them so they could uplift their families from poverty.
PSWDO then facilitated their organization so they could gain legal status and eventually lobby for programs to back their sector.
In addition, Noel A. Alerta of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) shared some good practices on how to avail of government assistance, including their organization, so they could attain a legal identity.
He also lauded the initiative of the Provincial Task Force ELCAC in holding such dialogue to hear out the concerns of the former rebels.
The activity was capped with the distribution of hygiene kits from the Office of Civil Defense and rice packs from the Provincial Government. (AGP/PSM/PIA Antique)
