Government formally accepts former rebels in Leyte into the social integration program

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
November 30, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  Former Rebels in Leyte will be formally accepted in to the Social Integration Program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in a formal ceremony on December 3, 2008, from 3:00 o’clock to 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Municipal Gym of  Kananga, Leyte.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, in cooperation with the Local Partners in Leyte, is scheduled to launch in Region 8 on December 3, the Social Integration Program for former rebels who wish to go back to mainstream society.

Undersecretary Pedro Cesar C. Ramboanga, Jr. informed that the formal acceptance of former rebels into the Social Integration Program will follow the Social Integration Program Orientation for Leyte Peace Partners.

The formal acceptance program ceremony will start with a welcome remarks by Hon. Elmer Codilla, mayor of Kananga, Leyte.

Police Chief Superintendent Abner Cabalquinto, Regional Director of Philippine National Police in Region 8 and Lt. Gen Pedro Ike Inserto, commanding general of AFP Central Command will deliver their respective Peace Message.

The awarding of financial assistance will be done by Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, assisted by Undersecretary Pedro Cesar C. Ramboanga, Jr., Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, and the National and Local Peace Partners.

Governor Petilla is expected to deliver his peace message after the awarding of the financial assistance.

The ceremonial reception of former rebels by the Provincial Government of Leyte will be done by Atty. Reuben Dasay A. Lingating, program manager of SIP; Governor Petilla and Ms. Clotilde Malatbalat, Provincial Social Welfare Office of the province of Leyte.

Secretary Esperon will then deliver his message on the Social Integration Program for former rebels. After the singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal, a press conference will be conducted.

The Social Integration Program is a process whereby former rebels and their dependents are provided a set of interventions to facilitate their integration into mainstream society.

It is being implemented pursuant to Administrative Order No. 172 promulgated on March 23, 2007 by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The program, in contrast to previous programs of the government, provides increased remuneration for surrendered firearms, explosives and ammunitions.