COTABATO CITY – In line with the government’s program to help former communist rebels live normal lives, the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion in Arakan, North Cotabato, has initiated a skills training for 25 former rebels at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Lieutenant Angelique Taban, 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) civil-military operations officer, said Friday the 25 former combatants of the New People’s Army(NPA) will undergo the month-long training that began Wednesday at the TESDA–North Cotabato Provincial Training Center and Institute for Motorbikes and Auto Mechanics Incorporated.
She said Lt. Prolen Bonacua, 19th IB Alpha Company commander, will also help facilitate the carpentry skills training for former rebels, who surrendered to the Army in North Cotabato in recent months.
The beneficiaries would also receive starter tool kits and daily allowance for the duration of the training.
“This community based skills training provided by TESDA is just part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits package which can be availed by NPA rebels who return to the folds of law,” Taban said in a local radio interview.
The E-CLIP is a government program that seeks to contribute toward achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups.
It also aims to facilitate the mainstreaming of former NPA rebels and Militia ng Bayan as productive citizens in the respective localities.
Among the beneficiaries was a certain “Ka Janjan”, who said he was happy and excited to enroll and undergo training while waiting for his financial and livelihood assistance.
“This is an opportunity for me to live normal lives with my family and my loved ones,” he said in vernacular.
Another beneficiary, alias “Ka Jimboy,” was also grateful that the skills training was community-based and conveniently arranged for the former rebels, especially that most of them are farm workers at the same time.
Randy Sionosa, TESDA-North Cotabato specialist, said the agency is mandated to implement programs that will enhance the skills of Filipino workers. He also explained to the participants the overview, as well as the other benefits of the skills training, during the opening program held in Barangay Manobo, Magpet, North Cotabato on Wednesday.
For his part, Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, 19th IB chief, was optimistic that with this recent development, more NPA rebels would be enticed to surrender and return to the mainstream society.
“This concerted effort by the line agencies proves the government’s sincerity in the implementation of the E-CLIP. It also belies the allegations of the rebels and leaders of left-leaning organization who described the program as a mere propaganda,” Paraso said in a statement.
Paraso also called on the rebels in the mountains to surrender and avail of government assistance.
“I appeal to you not to follow what your leaders say, but rather think about your families and your future,” Paraso said. (PNA)
