CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) is eyeing the creation of a special committee that will be in charge of rebels who may want to return and surrender to the government.
This came during the 1st quarter joint meeting of the Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-drug Abuse Council held at Benigno Aquino Hall at the Capitol grounds this Tuesday.
Governor Lilia Nanay Pineda disclosed that communist faction Rebolusyonaryong Hukbo ng Bayan (RHB) Pampanga leader Rey Lagman visited in her office together with other 4 members of the group.
“Boluntaryong pumunta sa ‘kin si Ka Rey at ‘yung apat pa na kasama niya. Naghihingi sila ng tulong sa balak nilang pagbabalik loob sa pamahalaan,” the governor said.
Governor Pineda said educational and financial assistance can be extended to the families of the rebel returnees (RR) through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office but clarified that the provincial government cannot guarantee their safety.
“Kapareho po natin silang mga Kapampangan kaya kung ano ang ibinibigay natin sa ibang mga Cabalen ay matatanggap nila pero kung safety na ‘yung pinag-uusapan ‘yung AFP at PNP na ang may saklaw doon,” the governor explained.
Arayat Mayor Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino also asked officials from the PNP and AFP regarding the security of the rebel returnees.
Col. David Diciano, commander of the 702nd Brigade, suggested that rebel returnees can temporarily stay at their camp in Arayat. Diciano assured the governor and the mayors that the AFP supports the plans of the local government and will ensure the safety of the rebels.
“Habang wala pang na-identify na halfway house, pwede naming ipagamit ‘yung part ng aming camp sa Arayat kung gusto ng mga rebels, pero kung may kaso sila ‘yung PNP ang may sagot doon,” Diciano said.
Department of Interior and Local Government provincial director Myrvie Fabia, said the government has a Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) for rebel returnees but clarified that the program is exclusive for former New People’s Army (NPA) members.
“Doon po muna tayo tututok sa paunang ayudang pwedeng maibibigay sa mga RR. Pero ang problema ‘yung legality ng mga tao kasi baka may kaso sila dati. Sabi po ninyo gustong bumalik sa pamahalaan pero paano kung hindi former member ng NPA? So maglalabas po ng executive order ang governor with the support of the council para gumawa ng local council or committee na siyang tututok sa mga rebel returnees na hindi categorized as NPA,” Fabia said.
Members of the local council will be comprised of the AFP, PNP, DILG, PSWDO, League of Municipal Mayors, and other concerned agencies.
Board member Rosve Henson, also urged members of the council to treat rebel returnees differently and specially.
“Their visit to the governor is an indication of their desire cooperate with the government. All they want is the security of their families. Sila lang ‘yung kilala natin na balik makipagtulungan sa pamahalaan,” Henson said.
Vice governor Dennis Delta Pineda also cleared that the provincial government only committed livelihood and educational assistance to the rebels.
“It’s up to the assessment of the PNP and AFP kung sincere talaga yung pagbabalik loob nila,” Delta said
By Liezel Cayanan
