Rebel returnees get cash, livelihood assistance package
A livelihood assistance package is being readied for the 23 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who surrendered here yesterday.
The rebel returnees also received yesterday checks worth P20,000 each from Undersecretary Pedro Cesar Ramboanga Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. The amount represents the initial assistance provided under the Social Integration Program of the government.
Prior to the delivery of the livelihood assistance package, the rebel returnees will have to undergo a psycho-social evaluation to be conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The evaluation will determine the former rebel’s aptitude for their chosen livelihood.
They will then be trained. After they shall have been trained, the rebel returnees will receive P50,000 in kind as capital for their livelihood, Ramboanga explained.
The Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will be helping the OPAPP with the livelihood assistance package, he said.
Since June 2008, when the SIP was first initiated, a total of 358 rebels have already been enrolled in the SIP, and 240 high-powered firearms turned over to the government, Ramboanga said, adding that they expect more rebels to avail of the program once it is disseminated properly.
He assured that there are enough funds to ensure the sustainability of the SIP. He said that President Arroyo allotted P250 million, and an additional P200 million would soon be provided.
There have been integration programs for the former rebels, Ramboanga said, but it failed because it lacked the sustainability, unlike the SIP.
Also, under the SIP, local government units play a big role in ensuring its long-term benefits, he said.
Representing Philippine Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, Major General Jerry Jalandoni said that the SIP is a big boost in their campaign to eliminate Communist insurgency in the country by 2010.
In Region VI, the Communist insurgency is the main threat to the internal security.
According to the military, NPA rebels in Panay island are down to around 120.
Majority of those who surrendered yesterday were from Capiz province, with the rest coming from Iloilo, Aklan, and Antique provinces.