Surigao Sur doubles cash aid to 75 ‘peace advocates’
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) — In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision and the national peace and reintegration agenda, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur has doubled its immediate financial assistance to 75 former rebels, also referred to as “peace advocates”, who are now receiving P10,000 each from the previous P5,000.
Governor Johnny T. Pimentel, the newly appointed Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chairperson, led the ceremonial turnover and payout on November 10 at the Provincial Capitol Lobby in Tandag City.
Pimentel said that the initiative is a reaffirmation of the provincial government’s commitment to sustain peace, reconciliation, and inclusive development by helping peace advocates reintegrate and rebuild their lives as productive members of society.
Accordingly, of the 75 peace advocates assisted, 27 surrendered to various police stations across the province, 16 to the 36th Infantry Battalion (IB), seven to the Special Action Force (SAF), 24 to the 75th IB, and one to the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU).
Each recipient got cash assistance as part of the government’s ongoing peace and livelihood programs for former combatants, reinforcing efforts to support their reintegration into society.
Gov. Pimentel emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to peace and social healing. “Through our peace programs and partnerships with national agencies, we aim to support our peace advocates in rebuilding their lives so they can live peacefully and productively with their families.”
He also encouraged everyone to wisely use the assistance provided by the government, noting that the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is being processed and will soon be available to the beneficiaries.
The governor also underscored that helping peace advocates reintegrate into society is a key step toward building a Bagong Pilipinas that values compassion, unity, and opportunities for all.
Among the beneficiaries was Joel Maca Mahinay, also known as Kumander Nico of Front 30, who expressed gratitude for the government’s assistance and hope for a peaceful life ahead.
“I am thankful to the government for giving us another chance. This assistance will help us start a new life, live freely, and be with our families again. We now have hope to build our future as ordinary citizens,” Mahinay said.
Another recipient, alias Dayding, who served in the movement for 17 years, became emotional as she described the significance of the support she received. “The P10,000 assistance we received today is a big help for our daily needs and a great support during these hard times. Your compassion and dedication have given us hope and inspiration to continue striving for a better future. Words are not enough to express our gratitude.”
The turnover of immediate assistance forms part of the government’s broader reintegration framework under the E-CLIP, which provides financial, livelihood, and psychosocial support to peace advocates as they transition to civilian life.
As peace continues to take root in Surigao del Sur, the provincial government and its partner agencies reaffirm their united effort to promote inclusive growth, genuine peace, and development, ensuring that every former rebel who chooses the path of peace finds renewed hope and a meaningful place in the community. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)