Leyte guv vows to support Social Integration Program

By Provincial Media Relations Center
February 1, 2013

TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte Gov. Mimietta Bagulaya vowed that the provincial government of Leyte would continue to be the conduit party of the Social Integration Program of the Philippine Army and Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) that provides livelihood and financial assistance to rebel returnees.

This the lady governor said during the recent Ceremonial Awarding of Financial Assistance to 28 Former Rebels held at Brgy. Cagnocot, Villaba, Leyte.

“The provincial government of Leyte has become the conduit party of the Social Integration Program that provides livelihood and financial assistance to our rebel returnees. This program has already been done in other provinces in the country where there are rebel returnees and a growing number of rebels wanting to go back to the mainstream society,” Gov. Bagulaya said.

Each former rebel received P10,000.00 worth of pre-surfacing assistance while another P25,000.00 were also given to five of them who surrendered with firearms.

“It is one of our top priorities –to continue to help accelerate the integration process of rebels into mainstream society and help them become productive and peace-loving members of our community,” Gov. Bagulaya declared.

She believes that the Social Integration Program has proven catalyst to help achieve peace and progress.

The Philippine army assigned in the province lauded the provincial government for remaining responsive in as far as the SIP is concerned and is particularly supportive by means of providing financial assistance to former rebels voluntarily surrendering to start a new life.

The Social Integration Program (SIP) which encourages rebels to give up their armed struggle. In addition to the immediate assistance and livelihood assistance the program also offers remuneration for surrendered firearms, explosive and ammunition.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, commanding officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion based in Brgy. Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte confirmed that the recipients of the provincial assistance were former members of the Front-Committee Leyte (FC-L) which the military battled for several years.

In his message, Col. Rafael Valencia, area commander of the military in Leyte urged the recipients to set as examples and encourage their former comrades to return to the folds of the law and avail the programs in store for them.