TACLOBAN CITY – At least 30 former Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) rebels have signified their interest to occupy the socialized housing project of the government in Pinabacdao, Samar as they strive for normalcy after years of armed conflict.
Samar’s provincial social welfare and development officer Alma Austero said in a phone interview on Friday these former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have no plan to return to their villages.
“They just completed the skills and livelihood training. Aside from the free house, they will also be provided with farm lots for them to become productive,” Austero added.
The Peace and Prosperity village, where 144 houses will rise, is in Catigawan, an upland village in Pinabacdao town.
The site is about 3 km. away from the national road.
The lot was donated by the Department of Agrarian Reform while the construction of houses will be funded by the National Housing Authority.
She said land preparation is ongoing and the building of housing units will kick off within the year.
The project is part of the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.
Austero said she has no available information on the cost of the socialized housing project.
Samar province is eyeing to reverse its reputation from being conflict-stricken to a peaceful and developed area with the completion of a peace house in Catbalogan City and a training facility in Hinabangan town meant for former NPA fighters.
The two major projects complement the Local Social Integration Program designed to encourage more rebels to yield to the government and become productive.
After staying at the peace house and undergoing skills and livelihood training, former rebels have the option to move to the Peace and Prosperity Village in Pinabacdao or return to their old communities.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
