President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on Samareños to help the government in turning former rebels into productive citizens of the nation.

The government is currently implementing a program that encourages rebels to return to the fold of law and become useful members of the society.

“Hiling ko sa inyo na suportahan ang mga hakbang na ito upang masiguro natin na mag-ugat ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran dito sa Samar,” President Marcos said during the distribution of aid to farmers and fisherfolk in Samar.

During his speech, the President highlighted the surrender of 63 rebels in Samar who were assisted by the government in starting a new journey in life.

Meanwhile, the President noted the presence of communist terror groups in the province, hindering the progress of the region.

Nevertheless, peace and order in Samar improved with five of its municipalities — San Sebastian, Pagsanghan, Tarangnan, Sta. Margarita, and Sto. Niño — being declared to have Stable Internal Peace and Security Status.

“Gayunpaman, malayo na po ang narating natin—limang municipality ang deklarado na na may Stable Internal Peace and Security status,” President Marcos said.

“Ang mga pagsisikap na ito ay ginagawa po natin upang mahikayat pa ang mga ibang rebelde na magbalik-loob na at maging produktibong bahagi ng ating lipunan,” he added.

The President said the government is investing in new infrastructure projects, creating livelihood opportunities, and enforcing peace and order in Samar to encourage more rebels to surrender.

“Ang lahat ng ito ay naglalayong lumikha ng mas maunlad na hinaharap para sa probinsya ng Samar, sa rehiyon ng Eastern Visayas, at sa mga mamamayan na nakatira dito,” he added. | PND