Good and a better life are awaiting former renegades who opt to return to the fold of the law and lead a more peaceful life with their respective families. Government-led Task Force-Balik Loob rebel returnees assures this recently thru the radio program UP-UP Pilipinas.
According to Navy Captain (Colonel) Buscato a total of 21 government agencies are prepared and awaiting to roll out their respective plans that will cover housing, employment and livelihood concerns of returnees. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte spearheaded TFBL thru a proclamation of an Administrative Order (AO). The chief executive made sure that for 25 years TFBL will be in effect thru AO Number 10 Series of 2018 otherwise known as “Centralizing all government efforts for the Reintegration of Former Rebels (FR) and creating for the purpose of an Inter-Agency Task Force; and AO Number 25 Series of 2020 otherwise known as, “Amending AO Number 10 added Former Violent Extremists (FVE)” on the 18th of March 2020.
In an effort to entice and assist surrendering FVE, the task force included Abu Sayyaf, BIFF, Maute who chose to leave their terroristic activities and lead more peaceful lives. Executive Director of TFBL Navy Captain (Colonel) Ferdinand Buscato explains this aims “to have brighter future to reach Ambisyon 2040 [Ambition 2040].”
The task force is designed to overcome the challenges brought by the current political system. It is not co-terminus with the 6-year term of the chief executive, “the TF is a 25-year Long Term Vision developed by the government of the Philippines as a guide for Development Planning,” explains Buscato. Rural and countryside development is impeded when rebel groups (with their supporters) terrorize civilians with pocket atrocities.
To make sure the program is carried out an “effective monitoring and evaluation system” is in place and government’s lead agencies are; DND, DILG, OPAPP, NHA, OP, DSWD and OPALEGC (Office of the presidential adviser on Local Extremist Groups Concerns). To assist these agencies are; PNP, CDA, CHED, DA, DAR, DepEd, DOH, DOJ, DOLE, DTI, LandBank, LGU, NCIP, NICA, PAO, TESDA, DBM, PCOO, PIA, PMS and the AFP. A strong 21-government agency is ready to any rebel returnee who wishes to lay down arms and become productive and peaceful member of the society.
The ‘Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E CLIP)’ awaits FR and FVE which includes cash reward for their surrender and other benefits including; start-up capital for entrepreneurship or skills training from concerned agencies. In addition, the ‘Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Project peaceful and bountiful community project’ will give “additional cash or training as needed coming from OPAPP,” explains Buscato.
The municipal, city mayor, governor and AFP Brigade Commander chairs and co-chairs the TFBL in every locality. Surrenderees and candidate beneficiaries of TFBL includes; for FR, former members of the ‘Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)’ and Milisya ng Bayan; included and immediate family members, legitimate spouse, and their children. FVE includes; BIFF, Abu Sayyaf group, Maute group. Dawlah Islamiyah, Turaife group, and other violent extremists that may be identified by TFBL.
The program, ‘Usapang Pangkapayapaan, Usapang Pangkaunlaran (UP-UP Pilipinas)’ is hosted by Brigadier General Gerry Zamudio, Jr., Philippine Air Force; co-hosted by Bhong David from the Netherlands; and Emil Carreon a freelance TV Senior Executive Producer. TFBL in its mission will encourage, accept and guide rebels who wish to live a peaceful and normal life says Buscato from the time they re-surface and take the steps of re-integration, it will capacitate and enable the candidate to a “socio-economic and cap