Surigao Sur gives former rebels livelihood in pursuit of PBBM’s call for peace
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA)—In a powerful stride toward peace and inclusive development, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur granted livelihood aid to 11 former rebels under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Each beneficiary received P65,000 in livelihood assistance, along with family food packs (FFI) and hygiene kits, essential tools for their transition to a peaceful, productive life, during the 3rd quarter Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on July 29, under the new administration in the province.
The initiative resonated with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. ‘s call for national unity and transformation under the Bagong Pilipinas governance framework, as highlighted in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). It reflected a shift from conflict to community-building as anchored on the whole-of-nation approach.
Surigao del Sur Governor and PPOC Chairperson Johnny T. Pimentel acknowledged the persistent challenges posed by insurgency, but reaffirmed the province’s unwavering commitment to achieving lasting peace and progress.
“We cannot achieve full development unless Surigao del Sur is declared insurgency-free. This is the shared goal of the council, including the AFP, PNP, government partners, and civil society organizations. Together, we will work tirelessly to make Surigao del Sur one of the most peaceful provinces in the country,” Gov. Pimentel said.
Empowerment as a path to peace
The E-CLIP program, implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the Philippine Army and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provides a holistic reintegration package. It addresses the economic needs of former rebels and restores dignity and trust in the government.
“We are not just giving aid. We are offering hope, dignity, and a second chance,” added Gov. Pimentel. “This embodies Bagong Pilipinas in action, governance that transforms lives and uplifts communities left behind by conflict.”
For the beneficiaries, it was the first time in years that they felt truly seen, not as threats, but as fellow Filipinos. “We came down from the mountains not out of fear, but because we now believe peace is possible.”
Their stories reflected a growing trust in the government, made possible by the sustained peace-building work of local leaders, the security sector, and community-based programs.
Building bridges, not barriers
For the government troops, they were neither longer surrenderees nor former rebels, but friends rescued (FRs), partners in peace, ready to rebuild their future.
Lieutenant Colonel Chester C. Ante, commander of the 36 Infantry Battalion, reaffirmed the Philippine Army’s shift from combat to compassion. “We will continue to reach out, not with weapons, but with open arms and open hearts.”
As communities continue to welcome reintegration efforts and more former rebels return to the folds of the law, Surigao del Sur is steadily transforming into a model of peace as the province is taking bold steps toward a future where peace is not only a goal, but a lived reality. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)