Isabela builds houses for former NPA rebels

By Merlito G. Edale, Jr.

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela- The provincial government of Isabela in partnership with the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army’s 95th Infantry Battalion is set to turnover newly-constructed halfway houses to former members of the New People’s Army who decided to surrender and live a normal life.
    Lt. Col. Lemuel Baduya, 95IB, PA commander said the halfway houses were built as temporary shelter for NPA former members while waiting permanent ones from the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) housing project.
    The halfway houses were made in support of the executive order 70 of President Duterte to end  armed conflict in the country.
Baduya also thanked the provincial government for building the temporary shelters while the NPA former members were awaiting other benefits through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
    “The 95IB, PA deeply expresses our sincerest thanks to the PGI under the leadership of Gov. Rodolfo Albano III for such comfortable shelter to our FRs,” he said.
    Baduya also thanked the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry and other local government units in the province for their support and assistance to former NPA former cadres. -- PIA-2 Isabela