DAVAO CITY -- Former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who decided to leave behind years of armed struggle are starting a new life after receiving financial assistance under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
Each of the 14 rebel returnees, who are temporarily staying at Davao Oriental’s Happy Home, received PHP65,000 for livelihood as part of the province’s and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s reintegration program.
Karen Lou Deloso, provincial information officer of Davao Oriental, said the government released almost a million pesos to the former rebels.
This continuing program for the rebels is an indication of the government’s determination to assist them as they transition to civilian life.
Deloso said most of the former rebels are farmers and they plan to use the money in growing crops, raising livestock while others say they would like to engage in a small business like “sari-sari” store.
Deloso added that the former rebels can also use the skills acquired during their rehabilitation at Happy Home facility, a halfway house for former rebels.
While at Happy Home, the former rebels learned crop and livestock production, which was introduced by the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade to provide former rebels wider economic opportunities when they get back to the community.
Deloso said the government has already spent PHP10.1 million for the livelihood assistance to a total of 187 former rebels enrolled under the CLIP since the Happy Home was established in 2013.
Deloso said they (former rebels) underwent other trainings. The former rebels also underwent a 10-day political de-radicalization process which included gardening, moral recovery, Sunday mass, and lectures on scores of topics such as Philippine history and socioeconomic theories, among others.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang urged them to spend the money wisely.
Dayanghirang sustained the program initiated by his predecessor Rep. Corazon N. Malanyaon, with the hope of enticing more NPA rebels to surrender and embrace a new chance at life. (PNA)
