Former rebels find new home in Agusan del Norte
By NORA C. LANUZA
BUTUAN CITY — More than 100 former rebels (FRs) will now have their own home after mining firm, San Roque Metals, Incorporated (SRMI), donated a 1.4-hectare lot to the provincial government of Agusan del Norte for the construction of the housing project.
The FRs under the custody of the 29th, 23rd, and 65th Infantry Battalions will be prioritized, it was learned.
Alyas Kris, one of the more than 100 FRs to benefit the housing project of the province, was emotional upon knowing that her family will soon own a house. Alyas Kris thanked the government, especially to Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba for personally making follow-ups and for providing their needs. “I see the sincerity of the government in helping us start a new life away from insurgency and chaos,” she said.Alyas Kris also thanked Governor Dale B. Corvera for prioritizing the construction of their homes.
According to 29th IB commanding officer Ltc Isagani O. Criste, the increasing number of NPA surrenderers in the province prompted the Philippine Army officials operating in the area to raise the concern to the provincial officials.
Governor Corvera thanked SRMI chairman Francis Enrico Gutierrez for providing the province the 1.4-hectare lot. “The province is now preparing for the construction of the houses where the FRs can stay and start a new life with their families,” he said.
The FRs will have their houses built in Barangay Del Pilar in Cabadbaran City to be funded by the provincial government worth to P450,000 each, as announced by Gov. Corvera during the turn-over and ground breaking ceremony of the housing site to the FRs.
In her message, Rep. Matba called on the remaining members of the NPAs to surrender and have a peaceful life with their families. She said that the government is sincere in providing assistance to those who will go back to the government and will exert all possible means to help them start a new life.
Ryan B. Culima, representing SRMI chairman Francis Enrico Gutierrez, said that the SRMI supports the endeavor of the government to attain the lasting peace and development of the province and the whole nation as well.
Culima also said that SRMI will extend livelihood assistance to the former rebels’ community once established.
Also, Cabadbaran City mayor Judy Amante said the housing project of the government to former rebels (FRs) is a testament that the government is sincere in helping the FRs in solving the insurgency problem of the country. (PIA Agusan del Norte)
