ILOILO CITY, Feb. 24 (PIA) – The program initiated by the Philippine National Police Regional Office 6 to help rebel surrenderers lead normal lives again will be replicated in other parts of the country, according to Directorate for Police Community Relations head Police Major General Rhodel O. Sermonia.
The program dubbed “Akap Kapatid” was rolled out by PNP-PRO6 for 82 surrenderers from Tapaz, Capiz and Calinog, Iloilo from February 15 to 21, 2021. It included lectures and medical-dental and other services (serbisyo caravan) from other government agencies that focused on human welfare and social well-being in line with the government program to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) through the whole-of-nation approach.
The program is one of the police community relations activities of the PNP in support to ELCAC and is a brainchild of PRO6 Regional Director Brigadier General Rolando Miranda.
“We intend to do it in the entire country,” said Sermonia in a media interview.
He said that because of so many former rebels who have surrendered, there is a need for a comprehensive program that will lead them to a good life.
In his message during the serbisyo caravan held February 20, Sermonia said "you are fortunate here in Region 6 because Akap Kapatid is the first-ever comprehensive program that has short-term and long-term components for you to have a new life."
The PNP is working with other government agencies including the Philippine Army in pursuing the program, he said.
Sermonia commended PNP Region 6 for coming up with the program, acknowledging the strong spirit of volunteerism in the region as he cited the support of the private sector to the pilot Akap Kapatid activity. (JBG/JSC/PIA6 Photo by EJB)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
0 Comments