Former rebels undergo livelihood skills training

KANANGA, LEYTE — Seventeen former communist rebels underwent a three-day livelihood skills training conducted by the Leyte Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office at the headquarters of the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion from September 3 to 5, where they were lectured and trained on agriculture, particularly animal husbandry and farming methods, as well as values development. 

Gwyndalynn Malate, focal person for the Former Rebel Program (FRP) said the training was a pre-requisite before the former rebels can receive the livelihood financial assistance of P50, 000 each from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

“The provincial government is so concerned about the needs of former rebels. Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla even pushed for the implementation of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in order to uplift their lives,” Malate said, adding that last August 23. the provincial government of Leyte released the Basic Immediate Assistance (BIA) of P10, 000.00 to each former rebel.

Malate further disclosed that they will be forwarding the pertinent documents of the benificiaries to OPAPP for immediate release of funds. Exact date on the release of aforesaid funds cannot be determined as of this time.   

In his message during the closing ceremony of the training, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cabansay, executive officer of the 19th IB hoped that the efforts of government would encourage the remnants of NPA rebels in Leyte to surrender and return to the mainstream of the society.

Lieutenant Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, 19th IB commander, for his part lauded the support of the provincial government for its implementation of the CLIP. —1st Lt. Philip James Hocson CMO Officer, 19th IB   – THE FREEMAN