Former rebels in AgSur town receive aid from government

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Despite the ongoing threat posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the government remains steadfast in curbing the local communist armed conflict and in providing necessary and appropriate interventions to the affected residents particularly in the remote areas in the municipality of La Paz in Agusan del Sur.

In time with the conduct of the three-day Peace-Building Seminar with the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Barangay Kasapa II, the locals also initiated a peace rally and ceremonial signing of the resolution in the declaration of persona non-grata to the communistterrorist CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front).

Apart from these, some 59 former rebels also received cash assistance from the government worth 15,000 pesos each. Four people’s organizations were also given tissue culture lacatan plantlets with organic fertilizers, vegetables, and corn seeds from the provincial and municipal agriculture offices.

According to Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., the IPs have been very supportive and cooperative in the local peace talks and dialogue and actively join other sectors towards achieving peace and development in the region.

Many of the former rebels have also returned to the folds of the government and chose to live peacefully and start anew in mainstream society. They are now inclined in spending quality time and living with their family especially during this COVID-19 crisis. are achieved only if people in the community are united and willing to do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe and secure. We thank our IPs for joining the government in its effort to curb the insurgency problem in the region,” bared Cane.

The official added that a barangay health station is soon to be constructed in the area so locals would have easier access to medical services considering that said barangay is situated far from the municipal proper.

Mayor Michael Lim also stressed that the local government supports the presence of the military in the area to ensure the safety and protection of the residents, as well as the necessary infra projects intended for them.

Meanwhile, the local government also targets to put up a secondary school and a multi-purpose building where community activities will be held. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)