Leyte rebel returnees in govt social integration program
By RANULFO DOCDOCAN, ABS-CBN Tacloban | 12/05/2008 1:09 PM
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KANANGA, Leyte - In line with President Arroyo's peace and development efforts, about 32 former rebels were formally accepted into the government's social integration program during formal reception ceremonies conducted at the municipal gym here on Wednesday.
During the ceremonies, local government officials representing presidential peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon presented around 20 former rebels with the basic assistance of P5,000.00. Several of the former rebels have already received financial assistance and rewards from the provincial government.
Gov. Jericho Petilla gave an additional P25,000 to one former rebel who surrendered an M-16 rifle. For surrendering 25 pieces mortar shells, another rebel was awarded P200,000 by Petilla.
"It's time for us to work one in hand to achieve real peace in the province,The provincial government of Leyte is determined that with this program of the national government this will encourage other rebels to surrender and work with us for the development" said Petilla.
Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Codilla of Kananga expressed his support the program. He also announced to his constituents about the ongoing efforts of the government to attain peace in the town.
"Kananga is not just known as geothermal energy source...[soon] we will put Kananga on the map as a peaceful place to live in."
Among of the ex-rebels who avail the program was Wendel Comendador, 27. He surrendered on Oct. 28,2008, after deciding pull out from the insurgency because of the hardships experienced in the mountains.
"Mahirap doon, naghihirap talaga kami," he said.
He also encouraged other members to do the same. "The government can provide a lot of program to reform our lives."
