Former rebels become community dev’t volunteers

Former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental are taking a new path in life by serving as community development volunteers through the assistance of the Philippine Army and the provincial government.

In a statement on Friday, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said these former rebels are now doing worthwhile endeavors in environment protection and peacekeeping efforts.

Under the province’s “Balik Salig Program,” 21 received financial assistance worth PHP228,000 on Wednesday for the undertakings they are pursuing in their respective communities in various cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental.

Four full-time volunteers received PHP40,000 each, while 17 part-time volunteers got PHP4,000 each for four months of service from March to June this year.

They belong to the Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (Sambayan) Negros, an organization composed of former rebels which advocates peace and development programs.

Lacson acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police that led these former CPP-NPA cadres to return to the fold of the law.

“Our men in uniform are the people who defended us against the aggressive rebels. Once we have convinced them to join us here, it becomes the duty of all local government units to support these former rebels and show them that they made the right decision for peace and progress in the province,” he added.

During the distribution of assistance held at the Provincial Capitol here, former CPP-NPA cadre Jonel Moreño, president of Sambayanan-Negros, urged his fellow members to do their part to stop insurgency in Negros Occidental.

“Insurgency brings trouble and leads to poverty among the people. Revolution is not the solution to our problems. Let us work with the government,” he added.

Col. Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, encouraged the former rebels to use the opportunity presented to them to become the catalyst for peace and progress.

“Let us work hand in hand to build a stronger and more resilient community. There is power in unity and cooperation to achieve our goals of having a more secure, more peaceful, and more progressive Negros Island,” he added.* (Nanette Guadalquiver)