27 Former Rebels Participated in Peace Summit and Livelihood Training in Rizal

CAVINTI, Laguna – The Rizal Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) conducted a 2-day Former Rebel (FR) summit and livelihood training to 27 former rebels coming from the different municipalities of Rizal province held at Casa Edden Mountain Resort, Teresa, Rizal on December 14-15, 2022.

The activity aims to invigorate the fully-reconciled rebels’ unwavering support to the national government’s peace and security efforts to end local communist armed conflict; capacitate and empower them become a third party advocate of the government’s peace-building initiatives; and, inculcate the value and importance of the family as a basic institution as they complete their integration to their respective communities and mainstream society.

During the dialogue and consultation, the agency representatives assured the FRs of the government’s continuing support and commitment to respond on their concerns.

One of the activity highlights was the awarding of more or less PhP 300,000.00 additional cash assistance to the FRs by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Rizal. Likewise, other agency representatives present also endeavored to distribute family food packs and Noche Buena packages to the FRs.

Brigadier General Cerilo C Balaoro Jr., Commander, 202nd Infantry Brigade commended the concerted efforts of the different line agency representatives not only in providing the necessary assistance but most importantly, in sharing their time to hear the voices of the fully reconciled rebels. “It just proved your sincerest commitment and continued support to our brothers and sisters who are now our partners in our peace-building initiatives”

The FRs expressed their commitment and support in helping the government’s information awareness campaign and to encourage their former comrades to return to the folds of the law.

It can be recalled that in November this year, FR Summit and Livelihood Training in cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders was also conducted in the provinces of Laguna, Cavite, and in northern Quezon, which was participated by a total of 115 former rebels. (Edjun Mariposque)

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