FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Tarlac together with the 3rd Mechanized Infantry (Makatarungan) Battalion and Tarlac Provincial Police Office conducted Orientation of Laws on Children and Women and Convergence of Government Agencies and Services Seminar for Former Rebels (FR) held at Barangay San Vicente, Tarlac on August 24 to 26, 2022.
The seminar aims to disseminate information regarding different programs and livelihood assistance from various government agencies for the FRs. The Activity was participated by one hundred sixteen (116) Former rebels that surrendered in 3rd Mech Bn and TPPO from 2018 to the present.
Different government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, PHILHEALTH, National Commission on Indigenous People, Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 3, Social Security System Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Tarlac conducted orientation that tackles different livelihood and support programs for FRs.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Jeszer M. Bautista, Acting Commanding Officer of the 3rd Mech Bn expressed his gratitude for the initiative of PSWDO and the Provincial Government of Tarlac for the various programs that will benefit the former rebels.
“Malaking bagay na ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Tarlac ay naglaan ng pondo para sa mga programa at benepisyo ng mga FRs dito sa Tarlac, ito ay nagpapakita lamang na bukas nag pamahalaang panlalawigan sa mga terorista na gustong sumuko at magbalik loob sa pamahalaan,” Lt Col Bautista said.
We can recall that last August 17, 2022 eighteen (18) former rebels received twenty thousand pesos (Php 20,000) cash assistance from the Provincial Governor of Tarlac.
On the other hand, the Commander of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division Major General Andrew D Costelo lauded the initiative of 3rd Mech Bn for reaching out to other government agencies in giving assistance to the FRs and reiterates the appeal to active members of communist groups to surrender and embrace a peaceful life in alongside the government.
