MALITBOG, Bukidnon (PIA)--The new year brings renewed hope for 12 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels under the 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion’s (16IB) "Hinanaling Tabang" project, as they recently received livelihood starter kits from the Department of Labor and Employment in Region 10 (DOLE-10) in collaboration with the Malitbog local government.
Each of them received P30,000 in rice trading livelihood starter kits from DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
Raul Valmores, DOLE 10-Bukidnon provincial director, valued the role of the Philippine Army’s 16IB in promoting peace in the area. He also hoped that the people who got the money would use it to build and grow their lives.
"DILP is one of the government’s programs that supports the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach aimed at helping those in marginalized groups by providing a sustainable income," he explained.
Gergie Liponhay, alias Jayto, a former NPA commander, thanked the government and urged his former comrades to leave the armed struggle and avail themselves of the government's services.
"Dako among pasalamat sa gobyerno tungod sa pagpakabana sa amo. Tungod sa presensya sa gobyerno, dili nami mubalik sa bukid. Among giawhag ang among mga kauban sa kabukiran nga manaog na kay dili kita pasagdan sa atong gobyerno. (We thanked the government for its concern. Because of its presence, we will lay down arms. We urge our colleagues who are still hiding in the mountains to join us because our government will not fail us)," Liponhay said.
One of the unit's best practices is the 'Hinanaling Tabang' or immediate assistance project, which caters to former rebels by providing shelter, accommodation, food sustenance, and livelihood packages. It also makes it easier for them to enroll in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
With the ongoing call for peace, the 16IB works with various government agencies to help former rebels start over and reintegrate into society. (16th Infantry Battalion/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
