Former rebels in San Jose de Buan, Samar, who recently benefited from the housing project of the provincial government, will be trained as forest rangers to protect portions of the natural forest of the Samar Island Natural Park.

Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said Monday the first 10 former rebels will be tapped as forest guards as part of the government’s livelihood assistance under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

“From former rebels, they will now become forest rangers who will guard some areas of San Jose de Buan that are within the protected area,” Tan said.

They are tasked with monitoring and watching over forestlands and providing support to regular DENR forest rangers during forest protection activities.

On April 5, at least 10 housing units under the “Saad nga Balay” (promised houses) project were turned over to residents who abandoned the armed struggle of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The PHP4-million project is funded by the provincial government and San Jose de Buan municipality, with donations from various government officials and private groups.

The housing project is located on 3.4 hectares of land for which the DENR issued a special use permit due to the area’s specification as timberland.

“Our hearts are overjoyed with this assistance given to us by the government,” said Tito Labong, a former rebel who now leads the San Jose de Buan peacebuilders group.

“We promise to help the government sustain the gains of fighting insurgency and keeping peace for San Jose de Buan’s development,” he added.

Labong also urged NPA rebels to leave the armed struggle and live a normal life.

The planning of the housing project began in 2022 while the official groundbreaking was held in August 2023. (PNA)