Manila: Former communist rebels in Negros Occidental now have a refuge at the 'Balay Pagbag-o' for Peace and Reintegration, a halfway house inaugurated by the provincial government in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The facility, located in Barangay Sta. Rosa in Murcia town, aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals undergoing peace and reintegration.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative has been positively received by former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) who are now advocating for peace and development. The Buklod Kapayapaan Federation, Inc. emphasized the importance of the halfway house in fostering peace and reintegration, describing it as a new beginning for former members to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Egan Da±oso, president of the Negros Island Region Federation of Peace Advocates, expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the establishment of the facility. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson highlighted the provincial government's commitment to supporting peace and providing second chances to those returning to lawful and peaceful living. He noted that the halfway house is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which aims to assist in the peacebuilding and reintegration efforts at the national level.
The 'Balay Pagbag-o' will offer temporary shelter while military or police units process registration papers for the E-CLIP. It will also serve as a venue for healing, recovery, peace-building, social healing, and deradicalization activities. Additionally, beneficiaries will have access to initial medical evaluations, counseling, and preparation for civilian life.
Governor Lacson stated that within a few months, the facility will provide psychosocial interventions, livelihood training, and other activities to help former rebels rebuild their lives. DILG - Negros Occidental Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay noted that Negros Occidental is the first in Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region to establish such a facility, which she hopes will symbolize hope, second chances, and new beginnings.
The halfway house was proposed in 2023 with an estimated PHP15 million budget, with funding sourced from PHP10 million by the provincial government and PHP5 million by the DILG.
