FORMER rebels who surrendered in the province of Agusan del Norte received livelihood settlement grants from the government.
These were the statements made by the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion commander Colonel Jason M. Saldua after he attended the "Livelihood Settlement Grant Releasing of funds to the Former Rebels in Cabadbaran City recently.
Saldua said the grants were part of the support to the former rebels of the 29IB in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte.
“We guarantee your security and will guide you, so that we can help you in your endeavor to come back into mainstream society and enjoy a peaceful and harmonious life with your family and loved ones,” said Saldua.
Four former Rebels from 29th Infantry "Matatag" Battalion received P20,000 each as a source of funds to start the livelihood that will serve as their source of income and to make them economically independent in going back to the community that they chose to live.
“By this, I am once again calling our misguided brothers that are still in the CTG organization that the government is aspiring your return to the folds of the law,” said Saldua.
Benido Gumapac, one of the recipients said will use the money to fund a business that will serve as a source of income.
“Dako gyud nakong pasalamat sa PSWD ug kay Gov Angel kay gikan ko sa walang-wala gyud, unya gitabangan ko nila nga mubakod. Gitabangan gyud ko sa gobyerno. Busa akong ginahangyo kadtong mga kanhi nakong kauban dinha sa bukid nga munaog na kay sama nako tabangan ta sa gobyerno,” said Gumapac.
“We are hoping that we can solve this problem and we can help you out so that you will not come back to the mountains,” said Director Ramel Jamen in his message for the Former Rebels, adding that all difficulties can be solved through wise actions.
“You have to be industrious and we will guide and support you,” said Jamen.
