OPAPP gives P1.1M cash aid to ex-rebels

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) turned over yesterday the financial assistance to 30 rebel returnees from Danao City and Tuburan town.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia together with representatives from the OPAPP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines led the distribution at the Capitol.

The total assistance amounted to P1.1 million. Each beneficiary receives the amount ranging from P14,300 to P50,000 to start a livelihood.

OPAPP representative Maricel Balasolla-Bantilo explained that the amount varies because it was based on the reintegration plan submitted by the rebel returnee.

Bantilo said that the rebel returnees identified what livelihood they can sustain with corresponding amount of P50,000 as maximum.

The livelihood project shall be monitored quarterly in three years, said Bantilo.

The rebel returnees already have received P30,000 each right after their surrender few years ago.

Garcia said that it just took time for OPAPP to process their assistance compared to the Province.

“Counter parting na ni, nag-una lang ang province,” Garcia said.

The giving of livelihood assistance to rebel returnees formed part of the comprehensive program the Province of Cebu has been implementing when Garcia declared an all-out war against insurgency six years ago.

Garcia said that when it was implemented, she was not aware that the national government has the same program through the OPAPP.

Cebu’s program has been a model for the AFP making the province as an insurgency-free in achieving eventual peace.

Like OPAPP, Garcia also tasked the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to monitor the livelihood.

“Paningkamot jud mo sa tagsa-tagsa ninyo ka kinabuhi,” Garcia told the rebel returnees.

—(FREEMAN)