PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, September 19, encouraged former rebels in the Visayas to enjoy a “new and productive” life with their families as they return to the fold of law.

Duterte made the call, as he led the decommissioning of the arms and forces of the 727 Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Mangagagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara-Paduano Group (RPMP-RPA-ABB-RPG) in Capiz.

“I encourage all [727] returnees to take advantage of this opportunity to start anew and lead a productive life with your families and loved ones. Be assured of the government’s full support for your reintegration to the mainstream society,” the President said in a speech delivered at Camp Peralta in Capiz.

Duterte assured the former rebels that they would get livelihood assistance from the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the National Housing Authority.

He acknowledged that the ceremonial disposition of arms, ammunitions, and explosives of the former insurgents was “another step closer towards the building of a peaceful and prosperous nation.”

The Chief Executive then guaranteed that former members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB-RPG would be “productive members of the society.”

“I urge all concerned parties to continue working together to ensure that the fruits of the years of peace negotiations will not go to waste,” he said.

“As we sustain the gains of our peace-building efforts, I enjoin all Filipinos to make the Philippines a better place for everyone, where we can all live in harmony and with greater opportunities for an improved quality of life,” Duterte added. (SunStar Philippines)