DAVAO CITY – The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Mindanao-Eastern (OPAMINE) donated P100,000 to help an organization of rebel returnees kick off their programs in the Davao region.
THE OPAMINE led by Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno (center) backs programs of the Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao Region (Kalinaw-SEMR) in the Davao region. (FB)
Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno pledged support to the Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao Region (Kalinaw-SEMR).
Magno, who lauded the initiative of the former rebels, said Kalinaw-SEMR has yet to receive funding but his office has contributed P100,000 seed money to start the organization’s initiatives.
“The organization’s members put this initiative and showed the government that they are willing to cooperate with us to have a peaceful community truly,” Magno said.
He said the formation of the Kalinaw-SEMR will serve as a template for other regions to emulate. He added that he would help the organization find funds for its programs and activities.
“This is one way to achieve peace and development truly. Their programs and activities will help them transition to civilian life after returning to the fold of the law,” Magno said.
Magno said he hopes the organization’s vision will inspire other groups in the country. He added that aside from the cash aid, the office would provide educational support for them.
Kalinaw-SEMR aims to track down all former members of the communist group and persuade them to return to the fold of the law and live a peaceful life.
Magno led the oathtaking of the Kalinaw-SEMR officials last week with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity in Southeastern Mindanao Director Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña.
They are President Arian Jane Ramos, VP for Internal Pedro Arnado, VP for External Ida Montero, Secretary General Maximo Catarata, Assistant Secretary General Alfie Monoy, Treasurer Ramil Banawan, Public Information Officer Sophia Dioya, and Auditor Belly Berana.
Also in attendance were Col. Osmalik Tayaban of the Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division, Police Col. Roel de Robles Flores of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-11, and Regional Adviser on Peace and Security Edgardo de Leon.