After months of hiding and running away from the government troops in the mountain areas of Panay Island, Dix and Pab (not their real names) as well as four other members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) finally decided to return to the folds of the law.

They were all welcomed by Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao and other members of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist and Armed Conflict (ELCAC) during the recent meeting of the Peace and Order Council in San Jose town, here.

“It was really hard when you're hiding and running away to escape the government troops,” said Dix in an interview.

Pab, another FR in his 30s, also finds strength in coming back to the folds of the law.

He testified that he can’t withstand the struggle in the mountain with the CTGs that could lead him to uncertainty and worst-- death.

With his surrender to the government, he was given financial assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Social Welfare and Development, Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The municipal and provincial governments  also provided them with cash assistance through the Aid to Individual in Crisis Situation (AICS), food packs and free medical consultation.

Cadiao, during the meeting of the Peace and Order Council, assured the FRs that they will be assisted as provided under the law.

Pab said he was given "Pangkabuhayan" showcase from DOLE and sustainable support from DSWD which he used to start his mini-grocery business being helped by her sister.

He also cited the support of the Municipal Government of Sibalom for some of their needs.

To Dix, the cash assistance he received from E-CLIP would help him a lot to finish his studies and could be his passport to his dreams of serving the government.

James Rubino of the PSWDO-Antique has already facilitated the assistance to 52 former rebels who have decided to return to the government. (JBG/PSM/PIA-Antique)