BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela (June 2)—After having endured beds made of woven leaves and other materials, former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels can now own homes under the Housing Assistance Packages for Former Rebels (HAPFR) program of the government.
Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, 5th Infantry Division (ID) commander, said the program is the first of its kind in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) in partnership with the National Housing Authority (NHA).
One of the first beneficiaries who was identified only as “Rico” for security reasons was present during the “signing agreement” on Monday in Barangay Bangag in Lal-lo town, Cagayan province.
“Within the movement, our bedrooms were of woven leaves in the wild. I have no regrets returning to the fold of the law because now I will have my own and comfortable home,” Rico said.
According to Mina, the first HAPFR “signing of agreement” held in Lal-lo town was done between five former rebel beneficiaries and the NHA-Region 2 with the assistance of Army’s 5thID through the 17th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 501st Infantry Brigade (501IB).
He said the agreement includes NHA’s provision of a P450,000 housing grant for former rebels to be able to build homes with two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, dining table and toilet in six months’ time.
Mina also acknowledged the efforts of every government force to distribute to the former rebels the aid under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
“This project which is proof of our government’s readiness to help the surrender and conversion of former rebels is reserved for those who prefer to live peacefully. We will be generous in welcoming back and are ready to help,” Mina said, encouraging active members of the red movement to repent and enjoy order and progress in life.
Rico said he was elated during the “signing agreement” adding he never once experienced a comfortable place to live after seven years of being a regular member of CPP-NPA.
“Since I converted to our government, our Army has not left me. Now that I am about to have what I can call my home, they are still standing behind me,” he said.
Meanwhile, Roderick Ibañez, NHA-Region 2 manager, said their office has been given the go-signal to help those who returned to the government’s fold.
“We are happy we were able to extend help. While it is a small contribution to President Rodrigo Duterte’s aspiration to have a comprehensive program for our former rebel brothers, this will surely help them start over,” Ibañez said.
Col. Steve Crespillo, 501IB commander, said the Duterte administration is doing its best to help former rebels in their transformation.
“The housing project for the former rebels is among the government programs that should be delivered because we want them to have a good life and feel the government is not neglecting them. Let us not waste projects like this and make them the foundation of a new life,” Crespillo said.