Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato is now ready to accept former rebels (FRs) in its facility in Tinongcop, Tantangan specifically intended for those who return to the fold of law.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 12 turned over to South Cotabato Provincial Government the P5-million halfway house for FRs constructed in one of the properties of the provincial government in Barangay Tinongcop.
Atty. Rochelle Sero, provincial DILG director, said the provision of a halfway house for FRs is a component of the national government-led initiative Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that promotes just and lasting peace, national reconciliation, and unity.
Atty. Sero added, addresses the long prevailing problem regarding the accommodation of former rebels while they are being prepared for community reintegration. Before this, FRs stayed in facilities designated by the AFP and PNP.
Haide Agustin, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said South Cotabato’s halfway house can accommodate at least 50 individuals.
It has separate dormitory-type rooms for female and male residents, five conjugal accommodations, a conference/training hall, mess hall, kitchen, and staff quarter.
Agustin explained that while the center can already accept FRs, additional construction jobs such as floor tiling and painting will be carried out soon to improve the facility through funding from the provincial government.
