The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) have strengthened their partnership to support the reintegration of former rebels in Eastern Visayas.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento met with 8ID officials during his visit to the division on Friday, 21 August, to discuss ways to improve reintegration efforts through closer coordination among government agencies and other stakeholders.

The discussions focused on providing former rebels with sustained assistance and opportunities to rebuild their lives, become productive members of their communities and contribute to peace and development in the region.

Earlier, Sarmiento and his delegation visited Saad nga Balay in Calbiga, Samar, where they held consultations with former rebels residing at the facility.

The former rebels shared their experiences, concerns and aspirations as they transition back to civilian life.

During the visit, Sarmiento announced OPAPRU’s proposal to construct 10 additional housing units at Saad nga Balay to address the housing needs of former rebels.

OPAPRU and the 8ID said consultations with former rebels would help the government develop more responsive and sustainable programs covering housing, livelihood and other forms of assistance.

The 8ID also renewed its call for remaining communist rebels to lay down their arms, assuring them of government assistance should they choose to return to civilian life.

Operations intensified in Samar

Meanwhile, the 8ID said it has intensified military and security operations across Samar Island to prevent communist insurgents from reestablishing their presence in communities previously cleared of armed groups.

Military units have maintained patrols and an operational presence in cleared barangays to prevent attempts by insurgents to regain influence.

The Army said recent intelligence reports indicated that communist rebels have stepped up propaganda activities and messaging in an attempt to reestablish their presence in communities.

“The CTG’s escalation of propaganda activities is a desperate move. It clearly shows that our sustained operations and the effective delivery of government services are hurting them,” the 8ID commander said.

“We will not allow these remnants to recover, intimidate, or exploit our communities ever again,” he added.

Under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict framework, the 8ID said its units continue to coordinate with local governments and national agencies to sustain peace and economic development in former insurgency-affected communities.

The division said its forces remain on alert across Samar Island and reiterated its call for remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.