KORONADAL, SOUTH COTABATO- Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. assures the former rebel returnees to receive financial assistance from the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and encourages other members to abandon the armed struggle and return to the government to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Tamayo said the new administration is committed to iron out the government system to give equal opportunities to all South Cotabateños.
At least 19 rebel returnees coming from municipality of Banga, Lake Sebu, Surallah, Tampakan, Polomolok, T’boli and municipality of Senator Ninoy Aquino (SNA), Sultan Kudarat who are also surrendered here in the province.
“Rest assured na dito sa South Cotabato, ibibigay ko kung ano ang due para sa inyo kahit saan pa man kayo galing. Ilagay nalang natin na galing kayo sa Sarangani, eh ditto kayo sumuko ibigay naming kung ano ang para sa inyo ibibigay natin. Yun lang naman ang hinihiling ko eh, wala na tayong dapat pang pag-awayan dahil tayo-tayo lang naman mga Pilipino dito.” Governor Tamayo message to the rebel returnees.
He also challenges other members of rebel returnees to surrender because the Government is doing everything to abolish the presence of armed groups in the province.
“Ang presidente natin, talagang ibubuhos niya ang lahat sa mga hindi susuko. Meron ng airstrike at ground strike, lahat ginagawa nila. Ngayon hindi ko gusto may mawala pa sa inyo, kaya habang sa makaya ko na abutin kayo at ibalik sa gobyerno at ma save yung mga buhay ninyo gagawin ko lahat nga yan.” Tamayo added.
These rebel returnees will receive series of Assistance: Firearm Remuneration which depends on the firearm they surrendered; Reintegration Assistance; Immediate and Livelihood Assistance of PHP65, 000; Financial Assistance of PHP15, 000; can avail loans; and assistance from the national line agencies.
On the other hand, Jok (not his full name) said he was with the NPA for about five years.
“May mahambal lang ko sir, parte sa gobyerno amo gani nagdulhog kami dire sa baba nga mag surrender kami kay tungod nakita namon nga ang gobyerno maayo. Sa sulod sang 5 years nga ara kami sa kalihukan, indi pantay-pantay ang pag-uyat sang gobyerno sa katawhan ilabi na sa pareho namon nga mga IP’s. Sa karun nagpanaug kami kay tungod nakita namon nga ang gobyerno ginapalangga kami.” he said, addressing to Governor Tamayo that they left the group for a better life with government.
Gov. Tamayo also assures to the rebel returnees that they will provide livelihood so that there is no other way for them to return in armed struggle group.
The assistance is initiated by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the help of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and National Government.
