CAMP EVANGELISTA, PATAG, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 100 former rebels (FR) who surrendered in Bukidnon received their much-awaited housing units from the government in an awarding ceremony held in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, last March 12, 2021.
According to Engr. Madeleine Gilda Abellera, District Manager of the National Housing Authority (NHA) Bukidnon, this is just the first 100 out of the 250 housing units that they intend to turn over to former rebels, which is an aid under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.
“Now they come to realize that the government is true to its promise in providing their needs for the future of their children,” Engr. Abellera said.
One of the FRs, named Dodoy Jaime, expressed his gratitude to the government for helping him and his other comrades start a normal life.
“Dakong kalipay nako nga matagaan kog balay. Ako dugay-dugay man gyud ko sa bukid, among higdaan usahay maglubog mi og yuta, usahay buyo-buyo, duyanan ra gyud. Mao nang nalipay ko og dako sa gobyerno sa ingon aning pamaagi gihatagan ko.” (I am so grateful that I became one of the recipients of the housing units. For the longest time that I lived in the mountains, I only slept on the ground, sometimes in a hammock.” Jaime stated.
Meanwhile, Major General Andres Centino, 4th Infantry Division Commander, hoped that the turn over of the housing units to FRs would motivate other members of the New People’s Army to adhere to the government’s call to leave the armed struggle.
“I hope that these housing units will further motivate these FRs to become responsible members of the community and that they will help in achieving a peaceful and productive nation. May this encourage the other NPA members to also return to the folds of the government,” MGen Centino said.
Aside from the housing units, Senator Bong Go’s office also distributed relief packs to the former rebels.
