From armed struggle to abaca enterprise: Former rebel couple’s journey to peace, progress
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) —In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Government Information Center coordinator in Surigao del Sur Aljun Intano, a friend rebel, shared his transformational journey – together with his wife, from arm struggle to becoming abaca entrepreneurs.
He recalled how they hid in the mountains, constantly on the run, and raising their young children in fear. The couples, both former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur, lived in secrecy for nearly two years after deciding to abandon the armed struggle in 2017.
“We lived with fear, thinking the government would imprison or even kill us if we surrender,” Intano said. “But the promise of Datu Jimmy Guinsod, the provincial indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR) gave us hope. He became our bridge back to the government.”
It led them to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a reintegration initiative for former rebels (FRs) implemented by the national government in collaboration with local government units.
E-CLIP, which encompasses financial aid, skills training, and psychosocial services, has become a lifeline for many FRs seeking to reintegrate into mainstream society.
Under the administration of then former Governor Vicente T. Pimentel Jr., the couple became among the first batch of beneficiaries. Each received P75,000 which they used to build a modest home, secure a small plot for abaca planting, and jumpstart a livelihood through buying and selling raw abaca fiber.
While their capital was modest at first, their determination was not. “We only relied on big buyers who trusted us with small amounts to start. But eventually, with additional help through the provincial government worth P10,000 each, we were able to grow our abaca buying station,” Intano added.
Their journey is a testament to what proper support, sound choices, and hard work could achieve. In just a year, the couple expanded their operations and now run three abaca buying stations in Surigao del Sur, with a rolling capital of more than P300,000.
Not content with just entrepreneurial success, Intano and his wife pursued another dream – education. During the pandemic, they both enrolled at North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) ‘Cantilan campus, and in June 2025, they graduated together with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA).
“It was always our dream. If I had finished school earlier, I might never have joined the wrong path,” Aljun reflected. “We wanted to be an inspiration to our children, and now, we are.”
Their story aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s previous SONA commitment to peace, reintegration, and inclusive development through localized peace efforts and livelihood support under Bagong Pilipinas.
“Now we live freely, and we can travel with our kids without fear. We can also help our relatives and even fellow former rebels who are still waiting for their turn to rebuild their lives,” he said.
The couple remains actively involved in supporting fellow FRs, encouraging others still in the armed movement to surrender and embrace peace.
“If people could see how we live now, they would choose to return to the government. The support doesn’t stop at surrender. The government continues to guide us in managing the assistance we receive, helping us reach our goals and dreams as ordinary, productive citizens of our community,” Intano shared.
In the spirit of Bagong Pilipinas, the story of the Intano couples proves that second chances are real, and with compassion, good governance, and commitment, even those who once took up arms can rebuild, prosper, and inspire in mainstream society. (NGPB/PIA Surigao del Sur)