Rebel returnees find new life in the community

The Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) has recorded 50 rebel returnees from 2011 up to 2015 in which all of them are now under the support of the local government through grants given last year under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

With their total withdrawal from their armed group, these men are living anew in the community, placing them to the different programs and activities of the local government.

Annabelle Lugo, focal person of the CSSDO said that through its reintegration program these rebel returnees have received financial assistance amounting to P15,000 and fully benefited from the livelihood program under the CLIP.

Series of lectures and seminars were attended by the returnees to encourage them to work in the society, finding them a livelihood to start in their respective communities.

Among the reintegration program underwent by the returnees were business management skills training with their families, free medical care and spiritual activities.

Lugo also said that they are still in the process of finalizing the list of rebel returnees who are qualified for the housing plan.

She also said that the CSSDO is monitoring them along with the barangay officials and spiritual mentors for the returnees to experience a ‘total family approach’ to their integration back into society. (Mark Kinlee E. Ocay)