“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