495 former NPA rebels in Davao Oriental get sacks of rice from gov’t

The activity which took place at the Provincial Capitol in Mati City on September 19 was in celebration of the province’s achievement of an insurgency-free status.

OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao Director Elisa D. Evangelista-Lapiña said the ceremonial turnover of rice to the former rebels symbolizes the government’s commitment to assisting them in their journey towards reintegration and providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Lapiña said the “insurgency-free" celebration is a recognition of the hard-fought journey towards peace, stability, and progress in Davao Oriental. 

She said the insurgency-free status of the province is a significant achievement that demonstrates the power of unity, dialogue, and genuine collaboration. 

“We applaud the province for its resilience and dedication to achieving peace. OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao is proud to support this endeavor and stands ready to assist in any way possible to ensure lasting peace and prosperity,” Lapiña said in a statement.

Earlier, the members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, through a resolution, unanimously declared Davao Oriental as insurgency-free and development-ready. 

Lapiña also reaffirmed the OPAPRU’s commitment to Davao Oriental's journey toward lasting peace and development. 

She also emphasized the importance of holistic development in sustaining peace, saying, their focus is not only on the absence of violence but also on the presence of prosperity, education, and social welfare.

“We will work hand-in-hand with local leaders, stakeholders, and communities to build a more inclusive and peaceful future for the province,” she said.

The 495 sacks of rice were distributed to various people’s organizations (POs) with their leaders and members who also graced and took part in the celebration of being a province that is free from communist insurgents. 

Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr. for his part, expressed gratitude for the support from OPAPRU as he thanked the agency for the continued assistance in Davao Oriental’s peace-building efforts and emphasized the importance of unity in achieving and maintaining peace in the province.

The event was attended by government officials, military representatives, former rebels, community leaders, and various stakeholders who have played pivotal roles coming together to commemorate the occasion.