MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)--Emphasizing the benefits of returning to a peaceful way of life, the 58th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 provided immediate assistance including family food packs and cash aid to the nine former rebel surrenderees in Misamis Oriental, August 19.

Each returnee received P10,000 cash assistance from DSWD-10 as well as family food packs, and hygiene and sleeping kits.

"Today, this is a proof na ang ating mga kasama na nagbabalik-loob ay hindi pinapatay ng ating mga sundalo. Instead ay binibigyan pa natin sila ng pagkakataon na mabuhay nang mapayapa," 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Commander MGen. Romeo Brawner said. 

(Today is proof that our former rebels are not being killed by the soldiers. They are instead given the chance to live a peaceful life) 

The commander further added that the surrenderees will also be part of the government's housing program, of which 4ID has already given P450,000 worth of housing building to each of the 17 returnees in CARAGA two weeks ago. 

Livelihoods are also provided such as the implementation of farming programs where former rebels are given land to till, farm equipment, and seedlings. 

Former rebels can also acquire skills development courses through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to broaden employment opportunities. 

Brawner added that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also offer employment to former rebels by enlisting qualified applicants in the agencies' program.

Noting the overwhelming support of the national line agencies and the turnout of a greater number of surrenderees, 58 Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer LtC Ricky Canatoy said, "We are indeed winning in our effort to end the local communist armed conflict in Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, and Impasug-ong. And we have to let the public know na winning po tayo (that we are winning)."

One of the rebel returnees, alias Marga, said coming back to the fold of the law enabled her to protect her unborn child from famine and exhaustion as they needed to flee from place to place while working with the rebel group. 

She added that returning to the fold of the law allowed her to be given proper medical services and prenatal care from skilled health workers. 

The event highlighted the surrender of a communist NPA leader and members with six firearms, revelation of eight high-powered arms cache, and the former rebels' other revelations and testimony. (RTP/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)