LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Nine former members of the News Peoples Army (NPA) recently received their respective assistance package from the Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Cordillera as part of as part of the government’s support to them for their ongoing re-integration to mainstream society during simple turnover rites held at Camp Dangwa, Wednesday.
The former rebels received from the PRO-Car and the Cordillera office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-CAR) cash assistance, food packs hygiene kits, school supplies, 25-kilogram sacks of rice and assorted groceries that will serve as a big boost in their efforts to be part of the communities where they come from.
This support was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the 1st Civil Relations Group, the Rotary Club of Baguio Summer Capital Incorporated, the Rotary Club of Baguio Highlands, and the Battalion Advisory Group for Transformation and Development of RMFB15, under the Panag-aywan iti Kailyan Program of PRO-CAR.
DSWD-CAR regional director Maria Catbagan-Aplaten, who served as the guest of honor and speaker during the turnover ceremony, emphasized the shared mission of the DSWD and PRO-CAR in ensuring that former rebels are not only safe but also valued as they reintegrate into society. She stressed that by treating each individual with respect, we lay the foundation for trust, understanding, and a brighter future.
She also highlighted the significance of the acronym “R-I-G-H-T-S,” which symbolizes key principles that stakeholders strive to uphold: R for Restoration and Respect, I for Inclusion and Independence, G for Growth and Guidance, H for Human Rights and Hope, T for Trust and Transformation, and S for Solidarity and Security.
Among the top police officials who were present during the said occasion were Area Police Command – Northern Luzon officer-in-charge Police Brig. Gen. Prexy D. Tanggawohn, PRO-CAR regional director Police Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo, Jr., and RPSB 15 force commander Police Col. Charles L. Domallig. By Dexter A. See
