By Hilda Austria
ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan － A total of 30 former rebels in Ilocos Region surrendered to law enforcement authorities in February this year.
In an interview on Friday, Maj. Divina Albino, chief of the Police Regional Office-1 (PRO-1) information office, said their surrender highlights the success of the intensified localized peace engagements and the “whole-of-nation” approach in the region.
Under the whole-of-nation approach, there is coordination and cooperation of various government agencies, including visits to far-flung areas, the conduct of outreach programs, information drives, and the use of social media to communicate the programs for the welfare of the people.
This enables them to understand that the national government is there to help and give opportunities to the people, she said.
Five members and seven supporters of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists were among those who returned to the fold of law, as well as 15 members and one supporter of a Communist Front Organization.
Albino said an individual who voluntarily surrendered received government assistance, such as the Custodial Debriefing Program, access to the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), like cash and livelihood assistance and the Security and Protective Custody Program to ensure their safety.
“Ang maipapangako ng pamahalaan ay ang bukas na pagtanggap at patuloy na suporta sa kanilang pagbabalik-loob sa lipunan. Tinitiyak din na sila ay mabibigyan ng seguridad, sapat na gabay, at oportunidad para sa maayos na kabuhayan upang makapagsimula muli ng bagong buhay (What the government promises is the acceptance and continuous support to their return to the society),” she said.
PRO-1 Director Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes, in a statement, said their surrender could also be attributed to the relentless community outreach and intelligence-driven operations conducted by the operatives, aimed at dismantling the influence of insurgent groups within local sectors and remote areas.
“A significant step toward lasting peace in our region was achieved this February as 30 individuals chose to return to the folds of the law. Their decision reflects the effectiveness of our continued outreach efforts and our commitment to opening doors to a more hopeful and productive future. Beyond diminishing the ranks of insurgency, this development symbolizes the healing of families and the strengthening of communities across the region,” he said. (PNA)
