Former Rebels Group Receive Livelihood Grants In Central Luzon

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – The Malayang Magbubukid sa Hacienda Luisita (MALAYA), a peasant cooperative composed of former rebels and supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the Province of Tarlac received Farm Fertilizer Supplies worth Php200,000.00 through the effort of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Tarlac on January 23, 2024.

Florida “Pong” Sibayan, MALAYA Chairperson with the other MALAYA Officers received the said livelihood assistance in a simple awarding ceremony with Tarlac Governor Susan A. Yap.

In her message, Governor Yap expressed her unwavering support to MALAYA and other People’s Organization in Tarlac, along with the Northern Luzon Command Armed Forces of the Philippines, by providing them the necessary livelihood assistance.

On the other hand, Sibayan said that she was grateful for the continued assistance they received from the government.

“The government support and generosity serves as an inspiration to us. The livelihood support and other assistance is a great help to our organization. The former rebels who are now members of MALAYA can also witness the efforts of the government to help us have a peaceful and productive life.”

In October 2019, the leftist group Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) withdrew support to the CTG and organized the MALAYA, reflecting their literal freedom from the hands and influence of the CTG.

With the concerted efforts of the NOLCOM, RTF-ELCAC3, and the strong determination of the farmers, MALAYA became a registered Cooperative with the Cooperative Development Authority and was able to establish their MALAYA Agricultural Cooperative, in addition to receiving various interventions and support from the different government agencies.

Sibayan also went on by calling on the remaining members and supporters of CTG to return to the government and join the MALAYA.

“Nananawagan ako sa lahat ng natitira pang miyembro at tagasuporta ng Komunistang Teroristang grupo na magbalik-loob na upang tumahimik na ang ating bansa. Wala naman silang mapapala sa pagsuporta sa mga teroristang grupo na gustong sirain lamang ang kanilang buhay,” she added.