AGSUR TOWN EMPOWERS FRS THROUGH LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS

AgSur LGU continues to support EO70; 32 FRs receive cash aid

The local government unit (LGU) of La Paz, Agusan del Sur continues its support to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 by granting cash aid to its Former Rebels (FRs) amounting to P160,000.00 last October 19, 2021.

A total of 32 FRs received P5,000.00 each of cash aid from LGU-La Paz, which was intended as a reintegration assistance for all FRs who sincerely abandoned the communist terrorist movement. The said FRs were previous members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who voluntarily surrendered to the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion of the Philippine Army and La Paz Municipal Police Station through the support and collaboration of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (MTFELCAC) headed by Mayor Michael D. Lim, together with the various concerned line agencies. The EO70 is a government policy on “Institutionalizing the Whole-of a-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in our country which aims to address the root causes of insurgency to end local armed conflict in the countryside.

Mayor Lim said that the LGU-La Paz together with all local government agency is committed to continue their support to the former rebels as mandated by the Executive Order No. 70.

It can be recalled that the LGU-La Paz has recently conducted a program orientation to the various People’s Organization (POs) in the municipality that consisted of FRs and local members of the October 16-22, 2021 | 17

community which was aimed to empower the members of the POs to be more economically resilient as a sign of commitment to pursue the mandates of EO70 in facilitating the delivery of government programs and basic services to the marginalized communities.

In a statement, FR Bremly Acero alias ‘Mar’ expressed his gratitude to the LGULa Paz. “Dako akong pasalamat kay bisan pa kami kanhi nahisalaag sa among dalan apan wala damha nga ang buhatan sa La Paz uban sa kasundaluhan, kapulisan ug uban pang ahensya ani kanunay nga nag tabang kanamu aron kami mahilona. Dako akong pagbasol sa among mga nabuhat kaniadto, hinaut unta nga mahigmata na ug mosurender ang among mga kanhi kaubanan nga ana pa nag lihok alang sa malinawon nga pag puyo nga gawasnon uban sa inyong pamilya (I’m thankful that despite being involved in the NPA movement, the LGU of La Paz along with the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and other concerned agencies has helped us live a new life away from harm and near our families. I regret everything I did when I was still active in the communist terrorist group. And now I enjoy living my life peacefully with my family. I also hope that those who are still in the movement could realize that they have better life ahead if they surrender to the folds of the law),” he said.

Meanwhile, Lt.Col Reynald Romel A Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB thanked the partner agencies for their generous support to the FRs. “I am grateful to the Local Government Unit of La Paz headed by Hon. Lim and to all government agencies for having us around in your every step during the planning up to the implementation of government programs and services to the people, rest assured that we will always be ready to do our part in attainting sustainable peace and development in the community,” he said.

“To the 32 FRs, congratulations and may you spend your money wisely. The government is always ready to help and support you. I call on all the remaining NPA members out there, our door remains open in accepting you all to go back to the folds of the law. We are offering you a way to start a peaceful life with your family but if you continue to resist, then we will not hesitate to use our assets against all of you,” added Goce. (2Lt. Cecille Tappa, CMO officer, 26IB, PA/PIA-Agsuan del Sur)