City government pledges livelihood, aid to 44 ex-NPA rebels
PEACE 911 officially turned over 44 former rebels to the security sector during its fifth anniversary at Barangay Paquibato Proper on May 16.
The security sector, composed of the Davao City Police Office and the 10th Infantry Division under the Eastern Mindanao Command, officially received the former rebels.
In her message, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) XI regional director Atty. Suseyline M. Bakino-Abtarul, pledged to give legal assistance to the former rebels.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sebastian Duterte said the city government would assist the former rebels with livelihood and their daily needs. He committed to do everything to help them transition to mainstream society.
“We are delighted to celebrate the success of the Peace 911 presentation and mass surrender event. This initiative demonstrates our strong commitment to fostering peace, unity, and progress in our communities, and it showcases the exceptional collaboration between the military, local government, and the people,” Duterte added.
Peace 911 focal person Atty. Jonah Presto said the surrenderees are given a window of opportunity to become peacebuilders and help sustain the peace and development of the city.
Meanwhile, Agila Division commander Major General Jose Eriel M. Niembra recognized the Peace 911 initiative as one of the most effective tools to make the Davao Region, particularly Davao City, insurgency-free.
“The whole Agila Division shares its victory and accomplishments with the Davao City Peace 911 for benchmarking such innovative and inclusive approach to nation-building through exemplary peace programs and initiatives resonating throughout the region,” Niembra added.
Also present during the event were Eastern Mindanao Command commander Lt Gen Greg T. Almerol; Joint Task Force Haribon commander BGen Consolito P Yecla; 1003rd Brigade commander Col Marion T Angcao; Peace 911 Legal Cluster Committee member Retired Judge Ridgeway N. Tanjili; Public Safety and Security Office head Angel Sumagaysay; City Social Welfare and Development Office head Judy Dayaday; and Peace 911 adviser Irene Santiago.
