Family. Peace. Freedom. These were the three significant reasons that made Therese (not her real name), turn her back from going against the government. Therese was only 17 when she decided to join a well-known leftist group in the country that recruits young adolescents like her. She was encouraged to join the group because it continue reading : A new start: Of choosing family, peace, and freedom
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga released livelihood assistance in the forms of cash and check to 94 former rebels (FRs) and 15 conflict-vulnerable areas (CVA) associations from the different municipalities in Agusan del Norte on December 8, 2021. Each FR received the Livelihood Settlement Grant amounting continue reading : DSWD releases livelihood assistance to former rebels, conflict-vulnerable associations
As a young adolescent, Amelia (not her real name) has always desired to be of service to the country. She knew deep in her heart that she wanted to serve the community. Hence, when members from the New People’s Army discussed with her their distorted ideologies and beliefs about the government and the country, she continue reading : Of leaving the risky life and starting again
“Sa una, ako ang naga-train ug naga-recruit og mga tao para mag-apil sa among grupo.” This was the life that Anna (not her real name), used to have. As a member of the New People’s Army (NPA), Anna was delegated to recruit and train new members. She would remember enlisting young individuals and enticing them continue reading : Turning over a new leaf
Since her husband was a little kid, Rowena said that his life had not been a bed of roses. Adolfo, Rowena’s husband of 34 years, has always lived a difficult life. Sixth among eleven children, Adolfo (not his real name) had to start working at eight. He would join his parents go farming just to continue reading : Of new beginnings and greener pasture
“Our future wasn’t in the mountains.” This was what “Erwin” realized when he decided to give up his tough life in the mountains and return to the folds of the government. Erwin (not his real name) is one of the former rebels from Rosario, Agusan del Sur who surrendered to the government in 2018. Looking continue reading : A promise of a new life and a brighter future
One of the national government’s measures in helping former rebels rebuild their lives is the provision of livelihood assistance with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). As stipulated in Executive Order No. 70 or the “Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace”, former rebels who are continue reading : Changing directions: Former rebels restart lives, enjoy livelihood assistance
Life in hiding, especially when it constantly puts your life at maximum risk, is very hard to live. Hence, when a door leading to a new and peaceful life opened for “Alfie” and other former rebels, they boldly decided to renounce the principles they once embraced. Alfie (not his real name), is one of the continue reading : A fresh start for a former rebel