OVER a hundred former New People’s Army rebels have received assistance from the Philippine government.
We came to know the former New People’s Army Commander known as alias Dodong.
New People’s Army (NPA) is the armed wing of the communist party of the Philippines or CPP.
In 2011, Dodong was recruited by the communist terrorist group (CTG) and was also involved in recruiting indigenous people to join the NPA.
However, he later realized that dedicating his life to the movement was leading nowhere.
It reached a point where they were instructed to kill civilians indiscriminately if they refused to support the NPA.
Alias Dodong is just one of the 137 former NPA fighters who received assistance from the Philippine government.
The majority of them are indigenous people, commonly known as Lumad.
These Indigenous People often lack formal education, making them susceptible to manipulation to oppose the government.
“The assistance provided by the government is a starting point for our lives. Even though what we received from them may seem small, it’s a significant help for us,” according to Alyas Dodong, Former NPA Commander.
The former rebels received cash assistance of 20,000 pesos under the Sustainable Livelihood Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Task Force-ELCAC.
The government provides direct cash assistance to ensure the aid reaches the intended recipients.
According to Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, their priority in the province is unity, especially among Muslims and Christians.
“That’s also the teaching of Jesus Christ, to love your neighbor as yourself. Here in the province of Sultan Kudarat, that is what we advocate, to unite Muslims, Christians, and indigenous people. To foster good relationships among every tribe,” Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, Province of Sultan Kudarat said.
Sultan Kudarat is a melting pot of cultures, with Muslim brothers and sisters, Bisaya, Hilonggo, and Ilocano communities.
The assistance coincided with the mass surrender during the weeklong celebration of the Kalimudan Festival in Sultan Kudarat.
Ensuring that the former rebels are just starting to receive aid.
“Yes, earlier, we distributed P20,000 each to every surrenderer. This is just the initial assistance, meaning there will be more, including medical services, scholarships for their children, housing from the Department of Housing, and many more,” Mangudadatu added.
Due to the good governance promoted by NTF-ELCAC, a government agency established during the tenure of Former President Rodrigo Duterte and is now being continued under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, is drawing more NPA rebels back into the folds of the government.
Many Former NPAs joined the Philippine Army to help encourage rebels who were still in the mountains to lay down their arms and cooperate with society.
“I helped them, got a job, and now I’m part of the CAFGU. My younger brother is now a regular soldier. He graduated last month. That’s my big thanks to the government,” Dodong added.
“Of course, sir, we continue to call on those who are still in the mountains, hiding from the government. The government is ready to help you. The government will welcome you with open arms,” LtCol. John Paul Baldomar, Commanding Officer, 37th Infantry Battalion said.
