17 Leyte rebel returnees receive livelihood assistance from OPAPP

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
November 19, 2012

CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City, Leyte  –  The Government’s Social Integration Plan being implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) continues to attract and help Former Rebels (FRs) to come back into the folds of law by giving livelihood financial assistance.

On November 16, 2012, an awarding of livelihood financial assistance to 17 rebel returnees was conducted at Barangay Canhandugan, Jaro, Leyte.

The activity which was led by the representatives of OPAPP, was attended by Leyte Governor Mimietta Bagulaya represented by Leyte PSWD Officer Mrs. Clotilde Malatbalat and Colonel Rafael Valencia, the 802nd Brigade Commander, represented by Colonel Dinoh A. Dolina.

In a report from Captain Dranreb Canto, PIO of the 802nd Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division, the former rebels received P50,000.00 each to start a livelihood project which shall be monitored regularly by the OPAPP and other concern agencies.

Aside from awarding of livelihood financial assistance, the activity also highlighted the distribution of certificates to former rebels who had undergone the Social Preparation Training or Livelihood Training administered by the military through the 19th Infantry Battalion and the Provincial Social Welfare & Development (PSWD) Office of Leyte.

OPAPP representative Atty. Maricel Bantilo said that the giving of livelihood assistance to FR’s varies based on the reintegration plan submitted and identified by the them based on their choice, skills and capability to sustain such project.

Colonel Dolina, the Deputy Brigade Commander of 802nd Brigade based in Camp Downes, Ormoc City, in his speech, called on the community to join hand-in-hand in advocating peace and help encourage armed groups to lay down their arms and go back to the mainstream society.

Colonel Dolina also said that as declared and promised by the newly installed Brigade Commander Valencia, the 802nd Brigade will find ways to grant additional financial assistance to former rebels who will voluntarily surrender with firearms in addition to the assistance they will receive from OPAPP.