Ten former members of the communist New People’s Army who voluntarily surrendered to the government underwent a deradicalization program to prepare them to return to a peaceful life.
In a simple turnover ceremony of former rebels dubbed as “Pag-uli” held at the Happy Home on November 4, Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Vice-Chairman Ednar G. Dayanghirang said the program, which normally lasts for 10 days, would help prevent these former rebels from being lured back to the communist ideology.
The program is also part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to prepare the former rebels, now referred to as “friends rescued,” to integrate into mainstream society.
The FRs received P100,000 cash each, while the tipsters who facilitated their surrender got P50,000 each. The cash incentive amounting to P1.5 million was from the provincial government of Davao Oriental through the initiative of Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang.
In his message, Department of the Interior Local Government – National Barangay Operations Office (DILG-NBOO) Director Dennis Villasenor acknowledged the efforts of the provincial government of Davao Oriental in its implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
Dir. Villasenor thanked the decision of the FRs in returning to the folds of the law and living normal lives, and expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders for addressing the needs of the surrenderers.
“Now, your mission is to facilitate sustainable peace in your communities,” he added.
“I came to realize that no matter how the revolution tries, it will not succeed against the government. We should join the government so that peace can be attained,” said alias Buknoy, 28, who joined the communist organization when he was 22.
In a separate statement, Former Davao Oriental DILG Provincial Director and current Assistant Regional Director of DILG Region X Yvette Tolentino Sunga lauded the FRs for choosing the right path by rejoining the mainstream society.
“The government loves you. Always bear that in mind and be an inspiration of hope in your communities,” she said.
Aside from the initial financial assistance from the provincial government and from Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, the FRs will also benefit from E-CLIP, which will grant them other government services and financial aid.
701st Kagitingan Brigade Commander Col. Oliver C. Maquiling is positive that the province is close to its goal of becoming a full-pledged insurgency-free province by the end of the year.
Also present in the ceremony are DILG XI Regional Director Alex C. Roldan, DILG-NBOO Assistant Director Debbie T. Torres, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Head Sarah D. Gudes, and Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office Provincial Director Efren E. Orlina. | Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
