Open-ended possibility for rebels seeking surrender continues in DavNor
In a significant move, Davao del Norte Provincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib has pledged to provide additional assistance to Friends Rescued (FRs), individuals who have surrendered from the New People's Army (NPA). This commitment extends beyond the aid offered through the localised Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Jubahib's decision is a testament to his commitment to honour those who have surrendered and to provide opportunities for a renewed life. The governor's efforts have attracted many former rebels, not all of whom are from Davao del Norte, to seek refuge and assistance in the province.
The FRs have received a wide range of support from various sources, including the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, national government agencies, private groups, non-government organizations, the police, the military, and local authorities. This support includes social services, psychosocial support, and other necessary services.
One such initiative is the deradicalization program, which was launched by the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) in Davao del Norte. Although specific details are scarce, a 10-day deradicalization program was officially opened for 27 former rebels, suggesting that similar initiatives may be available in the province.
The Philippine government, through the E-CLIP, has also been involved in rehabilitation programs for former rebels, offering assistance such as livelihood support and education. While these programs are not specific to Davao del Norte, they indicate a national approach that could be applied locally.
Governor Jubahib's commitment is also part of his social commitment for his last term and is aimed at sustaining peace and delivering government services in the far-flung communities of the province. He estimates that at least 5,000 NPA former rebels have surrendered under his administration.
The governor made this commitment during his recent State of the Province Address (Sopa) at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Gym. He also highlighted the improvements made in the province, such as the opening of 30 new provincial roads, leading to communities of indigenous peoples, and the development of infrastructure services in geographically isolated and depressed areas (GIDAs).
These improvements have substantially contributed to improving the economic state and ending the insurgency problem in the province. In fact, Davao del Norte was declared "insurgency-free" in 2024, promoting the province as a tourist destination and generating over two million tourist arrivals in the same year.
Previously lairs of the NPA have now become tourist destinations, with Governor Jubahib expressing his commitment to accommodate and receive rebels who want to seek refuge, surrender, and seek assistance. The provincial government has also delivered services such as housing, classrooms, health centers, and services for livelihood opportunities, addressing issues capitalised by communist terrorist groups.
For precise information on Davao del Norte's programs, contacting local authorities or checking regional government websites might provide more detailed insights into available services.
- Governor Jubahib's pledge for additional assistance to FRs, who have surrendered from the NPA, showcases his dedication to supporting their transition to a peaceful life and promoting health services.
- Apart from the support provided through the national E-CLIP program, various sources, including government agencies, private groups, and local authorities, have mobilized resources to aid FRs.
- Beyond social and psychosocial services, the deradicalization program launched by the PSWDO aims to further rehabilitate former rebels, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives and engage in peaceful activities.
- Along with his social commitment, Governor Jubahib's efforts, including infrastructure development and peace initiatives like transforming former NPA hideouts into tourist destinations, are significant steps towards reducing crime and justice issues, making Davao del Norte a safer and economically prosperous province, fostering peace and general news headlines.
