Duterte broke bread with former rebels in Malacañang

Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command said “the  activity aims to give the FRs a better perspective in life, particularly in peacebuilding and nationalism. It is part of the government’s continuing activity of reintegrating the former rebels in the mainstream society.”

Part of their tour  included the visit to  historical Luneta Park and  Intramuros.

In talking with the former rebels, Duterte emphasized the importance of peace in the country, he also thanked them for returning to the mainstream society.

Duterte  has earlier asked the Technical Education and Skills Authority (TESDA),  to help the returnees to a social integration program,  acquire skills which would enable them to be productive and prepare them to engage in income generating projects to provide economy back in their homes.

The second batch of FRs’ tour is expected to conclude on February 22, 2018, as the FRs will return to Davao City via C-130 aircraft. The the schedule of the third batch of FRs will be determined later by the Appointments Office of the President.

It can be recalled that the first batch composed of 215 FRs were toured in Manila and had a dinner with the President last February 6-8, 2018.

On February 16, 2018, 50 of the 215 were enrolled to undergo Technical-Vocational Education Training with TESDA XI as part of their social integration program.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command reiterates  “We are committed and more than willing to accommodate NPAs who want to return to the folds of the law and take part in building a nation of peace for progress and development. The programs lined up for the 683 FRs and the community programs being implemented in the different communities are manifestations of the social economic reforms being implemented by the government.”

Duterte earlier promised to establish a housing program in an effort to establish a resettlement area for the Indigenous Peoples of Mindanao.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) is already drafting the proposed IP Village which will be constructed in the different IP communities in Mindanao.

Earlier on, the Spokesperson of the CPP’s Far South  Mindanao Command, Noel Legaspi and his wife Wendy Bendalian, surrendered and meet President Rodrigo Duterte on January 21

 READ: (surrendered-ndf-officials-from-far-south-mindanao-meet-duterte)

With the increasing number of rebels returning to the mainstream society, the government is hoping, that the rebel forces in the hinterlands will realize, that living  in the mainstream society is the best place for them and their families, given the government support.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph