Miscommunication delays livelihood aid to ex-rebel

CEBU, Philippines - A miscommunication between the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and some officials of Tuburan town was blamed for the delay in the livelihood assistance to a rebel returnee.

PSWDO administrative officer Wilson Ramos made the clarification after Tuburan councilor Renante dela Cerna said the Capitol can no longer give assistance to his relative, Dennis dela Cerna Basera, a former rebel leader in Davao Oriental who surrendered last April.

Dela Cerna claimed that somebody from the Capitol told him that it can no longer extend assistance to rebel returnees because the province has already been declared insurgency-free.

Ramos confirmed that dela Cerna had approached his office to seek livelihood assistance for Basera but denied turning down the request.

“Gihatagan namo og guidelines si konsehal, since pag-hatag wa gyud gi comply,” Ramos said.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the province remains open to provide financial assistance to rebel returnees who wish to start a new life despite insurgency free declaration of Cebu.

The Province of Cebu has been extending cash assistance to former rebels in the amount of P30,000 for active member and P10,000 for supporter.

He assured that the financial assistance will be released to Basera as soon as the guidelines are complied.

The 21-year-old Basera, also known as Kumander Orig and James, a ranking rebel official of Guerilla Front 18 operating in Davao Oriental, was convinced by his uncle, Ramil Doños, a former barangay tanod and resident of barangay Marmol, Tuburan, Cebu, to surrender.

Basera was enlightened by his uncle who immediately contacted their relative, dela Cerna, to assist him regarding his plan to surrender.

Dela Cerna then informed Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante regarding the matter and on April 16, 2011 the mayor coordinated with Lt. Col. Nolasco Mempin, commander of the 78th IB of the Philippine Army based in Balamban. On April 18 Basera voluntarily surrendered to the 78th IB. —(FREEMAN)