MANUAL OF

OPERATION

HALF WAY HOUSE FOR FORMER REBELS

PROVINCE OF ABRA
 CHAPTER I

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

A HALF WAY HOUSE is a processing center and A civilian facility jointly

undertaken by the Provincial Government and the Provincial Peace and Order
Council (PPOC) of Abra Province in cooperation of the Office of the Presidential
Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) intended to cater FORMER REBELS
who have expressed the desire to return into the folds of the law and disengaged
in armed violence. This is intended to facilitate the systematic, assessment,
processing, delivery of immediate interventions, and development of individual
reintegration plans of former rebels, as well as to secure their safety in a short
term. It shall take into special consideration the provision of adequate facilities
for women and children including those with family members whose welfare are
shown to be in imminent risk.

A former rebel who is eligible for admission in the Half way House is male
or female regardless of age and status who voluntarily surrendered and has
undergone the Custodial Debriefing by the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) or the Philippine National Police (PNP). He/She was a former member of
the New People’s Army (NPA) who surfaced from January 2011 onwards, as well
as those who have been processed but did not receive the full assistance.

The period of former rebel to stay in the facility is minimum of one (1)
month and maximum of three (3) months until they completely availed of the
services in the facility.

A Happy Home provides comprehensive programs and services for the

healing and recovery process of former rebels in order to restore their
psychosocial functioning using interdisciplinary approach through collective
efforts of men in uniformed, social workers, agriculturists, medical practitioners,
psychologist/therapists, spiritual counselors, teachers, legal officers and other
field of profession who are involved for the de-radicalization and improved the
total rehabilitation of former rebels to attain a peaceful environment and improved
quality of life.

GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OF COVERAGE

The scope and coverage of Happy Home primarily covers the two(2)
congressional districts of Davao Oriental. For District I it includes the municipalities of
Boston, Cateel, Baganga, Caraga, Manay and Tarragona. For District II it includes
Banaybanay,Lupon, San Isidro, Governor Generoso and City of Mati.
 The provincial facility also serves referrals from different regions and provinces
whose residences of former rebels are located in Davao Oriental. They may be
operating in the underground movement outside Davao Oriental and surrendered in
other places.

TARGET CLIENTELE

Former Rebels regardless of age, sex and status:

a) who are members of the New Peoples Army (NPA)
b) who have expressed the desire not to engage in armed violence and to become
productive unarmed members of their respective communities.
c) who surfaced from January 2011 onwards .
 CHAPTER II

VISION, MISSION, GOAL

VISION

Davao Oriental a peaceful province free from insurgency and other armed
conflicts where men, women and children jointly working for comprehensive peace
process to attain a just and lasting peace for the nation and for the Filipinos.

MISSION

Formulate measures, strategies and develop plans for efficient and effective
delivery of comprehensive local integration programs of former rebels to become
productive citizens in the mainstream of society with improved quality life in a peaceful
environment.

GOAL

To alleviate the insurgency incidence in Davao Oriental and provide adequate

and quality of programs and services of former rebels that will restore their psychosocial
functioning to become productive and peaceful Filipinos.

OBJECTIVES

1. To conduct assessment and diagnosis of former rebels background and

circumstances and determine appropriate social interventions;

2. To provide appropriate programs and services using interdisciplinary

approach;

3. To coordinate with other stakeholders for the total healing and recovery
process of former rebels.

4. To reintegrate former rebels on their choice of communities to live in and

improve their socio economic status;

5. To conduct monitoring upon discharge from the happy home to determine the
impact of government support to former rebels
 CHAPTER III

LEGAL BASE

1. Executive Order No. 3 series of 2001, affirms the government’s commitment to

implement a comprehensive peace process to address the internal armed
conflicts in the country and their root causes, which includes, among others,
poverty and economic inequity.

2. Executive Order No. 19 series of 2011 - An Executive Order organizing

the Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) for Province of Davao
Oriental.

3. Executive Order No. 6-A - Reorganizing the membership of the Provincial

Peace and Order Council (PPOC)of Davao Oriental.

4. Executive Order 569 series of 2006 - Defining the Role of the Regional
Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) Convergence groups in the
comprehensive peace process and providing funds for the purpose.

5. Executive Order No. 739 issued by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
dated August 19, 2008 mandated all Local Government Units (LGUs) to
reorganize the Peace and Order Councils and was amended by Executive Order
No. 773 dated January 5, 2009 further reorganizing the membership of the
Provincial Peace and Order Council.

6. Memorandum Circular No. 33, issued by the Office of the President November
23, 2002, institutionalizes the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) as the
government’s overarching strategy for poverty reduction and enjoins government
agencies to observe multi stakeholders and inter agency convergence in all
poverty reduction activities.

7. National Peace Plan- Chapter 14 of the Medium Term Philippine Development

Plan 2004-2010, calls for mobilization and strengthening of KALAHI in line with
government’s peace building and conflict prevention thrusts, including
rehabilitation and development of conflict-affected areas, as well as support to
local peace initiatives of civil society groups and Local Government Units (LGUs).

8. RA 7610 Art. 10 Sec 2 - Children shall be considered as zones of

peace and shall enjoy the protection of the State against dangers arising from
armed conflict.
9. RA 7610 Art. 10 Sec 3 - Children shall not be recruited or employed by
government forces to perform or engage in activities necessary to and in direct
connection with an armed conflict either as a soldier, guide, courier or in similar
capacity which would result in his being identified as an active member of an
organized group that is hostile to the government forces.

CHAPTER IV

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES

A. General Policies
1. All Former Rebels admitted in the Happy Home shall be treated with care,
understanding, respect and support that they need.
2. All persons entering in the premises of the Happy Home shall directly report
to the Guard on Duty and subject for inspection. He/She shall sign the
logbook stating the name, address and purpose of visit in the establishment.
3. Bags, baggages and other personal and official items brought by visitors
inside the premises of the home are subject for inspection.
4. Firearms and other dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited however,
Military and Police personnel shall deposit their firearms at the Safety and
Protection Unit.
5. Visiting hours shall be established with guidelines that must be strictly
followed. There is designated conjugal areas for couples.
6. Smoking shall be at designated areas and drinking liqour is not allowed.
7. Donations for the Happy Home either in cash or in kind shall be properly
recorded, accounted and reported to the Executive Committee and Provincial
Peace and Order Council (PPOC).
8. All working personnel regardless of position and employment status shall not
receive any gifts from potential clients and other significant persons involved
in the healing and recovery process. Gifts may be given to a certain worker in
kind not monetary due to exemplary performance which is contributory to the
healing process.
9. Former Rebel who manifest psychotic behavior, mental and personal disorder
shall be immediately referred to medical professional or mental health
hospitals for further psychological/psychiatric treatment.
10. Duration of stay of a certain former rebel in the Happy Home shall be a
minimum of one (1) month and maximum of three (3) months, however, it
varies his/her length of stay on the achievement of treatment goals and over
all performance and behavior in the home.
11. Out on Pass shall be issued to a former rebel who wish to be out from the
center due to valid reasons such as attending to an ailing family member,
burial of an immediate family or any occasions based on the
recommendations by the Social Worker.
 12. Former Rebel who left the home without any permission may be readmitted
upon assessment and recommendation by the Social Worker but subject for
disciplinary action.
13. Any untoward incidents in the center such as accidents, deaths, abscondence
, riots, shall be reported to the Protection and Safety Unit and Guard on Duty
and worker shall report to the Center Manager within an hour who shall
officially inform the Executive Committee and PPOC within 24 hours from
receipt of the report.
14. All cases served in the Happy Home shall be treated confidential and can
only be discussed between and among the rehabilitation team.

15. Thorough planning and team conferences shall be undertaken before a

former rebel shall be discharged from the home to ensure that there is
support system from the Local Government Unit, Barangay Council and
families concerned.
16. The Psychosocial Unit shall be responsible for the admission and discharge
of former rebel. He/She shall closely coordinate with families, LGUs and
barangay to his /her choice of preference to start a new life.
17. The Center Manager shall hold the supervisory conference once a month to
update the operational status of the home.
18. All personnel of the Happy Home shall work as a team and shall discuss
appropriate treatment and interventions for fast recovery of former rebel
through periodic case conferences at least once a week.
19. All regular and contractual personnel who wants to take a vacation leave shall
inform the Center Manager five (5) days before the scheduled leave and file
necessary documents needed.
20. Personnel in the Happy Home being complained by a Former Rebel with an
erring behavior shall be investigated in accordance with existing policies and
procedures. Disciplinary action is imposed if proven guilty. An official report is
required and shall be submitted to the Executive Committee, PPOC and
Office of the Provincial Governor.

B. IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES

1. Admission Criteria - clients who are eligible for admission in the

Happy Home are those former rebels regardless of sex, status, age:
a) who were members in the New People’s Army (NPA)
b) who have expressed the desire not to engage in armed violence and to
become productive unarmed members of their respective communities
c) who surfaced from January 2011 onwards as well as those who have
been processed but did not receive the full assistance

2. Stay Out Participants - The Provincial Government thru the Half Way House
assume no responsibility for the safety of reintegration participants where the
 former rebel refuse or chose to stay out of the center. In such cases, the
stewards shall require the former rebel to identify at least 1 person of good
standing and with known residence in the community willing to take the
responsibility of keeping his or her safety, and in the presentation of the
person for the purpose of undertaking and completing the necessary
reintegration processes.

3. Modes of Admission
a) Referral - refers to former rebels who have been referred by
AFP/PNP, LGUs, NGOs, church groups and others.
b) Walk in - refers to former rebels who come directly to the home
to seek assistance and protection.
c) Outreach - refers to former rebels who are not admitted in the
home and preferred to stay out and yet need assistance from the local
government.

4. Admission Procedure
The Happy Home is crucial in the assessment for the admission of former
rebels in the facility. The Psychosocial Unit shall conduct the following:

a) Ensure a warm welcome environment upon admission of former rebel

to feel comfortable and accepted.
b) Accomplish the Preliminary Interview Form
Gather relevant information on his/her membership in the underground
movement.
c) Accomplish the Admission Slip consisting information on his physical
appearance, behavioral manners and mannerisms.
Let the former rebel signs the form if agreeable to stay in the facility.
d) Accomplish initial Reintegration Plan of former rebel to determine
different assistance that he/she needs especially upon discharge from
the home.
e) Admission conference shall be conducted with the presence of Center
Manager and other rehabilitation team to discuss preliminary plans
upon admission and discharge from the home.
f) Basic personal needs of former rebel shall be provided such as bathe
soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, laundry soap, beddings and other needs.
g) Inventory of former rebel’s belongings is strictly implemented to
determine any valuable items that need to be recorded for
safekeeping.
h) Introduction to other home staff and residents shall be conducted to
feel that he/she is accepted.
i) Orientation of house rules, policies and different facilities to acquaint of
his/her new environment.
j) Immediate medical examination /treatment at PHO if found sickly.
 k) If suspected with mental problems or with Post Stress Traumatic
Disorder (PTSD) he/she shall be immediately referred to mental
institution for further treatment.
l) Medical Records of former rebels shall be held in strict confidentiality if
suspected for contagious disease or sexually transmitted disease and
subject for further medical treatment. He/She shall temporarily be
isolated in an isolation room.
m) Picture taking of former rebel upon admission shall be done as part of
the requirements in the JVAC processing.
n) Submission of documents upon admission of former rebel to Joint
Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) for issuance of JVAC
Certificate for final submission to the Office of Presidential Adviser on
the Peace Process (OPAPP) for funding.

5. Visitation Policies
a) Former Rebels can enjoy visitation from families, relatives, referring party
and friends during Mondays to Saturdays at 8:00am-11:00am and
1:00pm-4:00pm.
b) Visitors are required to sign in the logbook stating her name, address,
purpose of visit.
c) No visitors shall be entertained during night time.
d) Visitors shall discuss the purpose of visit to the Center Manager for
approval, however, the latter has the authority to disapprove the visit if it
can hamper the healing and recovery process of the former rebel.
e) Visitors representing Nongovernment Organizations (NGOs) and other
institutions who want to visit a certain former rebel shall present an
identification card and other identifications with the approval from the
Center Manager and Safety and Protection Unit.
f) No visitors are allowed to bring the resident outside the Happy Home
unless approved by the Center Manager. Out on Pass Slip shall be
accomplished with specific time of return.
g) Visitors shall be entertained in a receiving hall not in the residents’
quarters.
h) For spouses visiting and want to stay overnight, accommodation shall be
arranged by the Home life Services Unit at conjugal areas.
i) Visitors bringing food and other personal items for a certain resident shall
be recorded and turn over to the latter. If plenty, it shall be equally
distributed to other residents.
j) If the resident is not comfortable to meet a certain visitor, he/she has the
right not to entertain, however, the worker shall explain thoroughly with
respect to the concerned visitor.
k) No media practitioners or researchers are allowed to interview a certain
rebel. It shall be discussed with the Center Manager or the Provincial
Governor for approval.
 l) Cameras and other video devices during the visit shall be strictly
prohibited.

6. Leaving without Permission

In cases when a certain former rebel leaves the Happy Home without
permission, the following shall be undertaken:

a) The Guard on Duty or the Protection and Safety Unit shall report
immediately to the nearest PNP station or AFP Brigade or Battalion to
blotter the case and notify the incident. Retrieve the blotter report to file it
in their individual case folder.
b) Prepare and submit the Incident Report within a period of one (1) hour
after a thorough of search inside and outside the premises to the Center
Manager. In turn, the Center Manager shall report within 24 hours to the
Executive Committee and Provincial Governor.
c) Inform the referring party and notify the family and relatives of the incident
through fastest means of communication.
d) In the event that the former rebel had gone home, closely coordinate with
the Local Government Unit (LGU) to monitor the status of the FR and
request for Assessment Report.

7. Special Occasions
a) Former Rebel shall not be deprived to enjoy and participate during special
occasions while staying in the Happy Home.
b) Activities done outside the premises of the facility shall be provided with
security.
c) Birthdays shall be celebrated monthly for each celebrator and simple
activities shall be undertaken but strictly no liquor and other odd activities
that can cause trouble and harm.

8. Return and Re-admission of Former Rebel

a) FR who left the facility without permission and returned back shall be
dealt fairly. Individual consultation with Center Manager and Psychosocial
Unit shall be properly processed and documented.
b) Assess the reasons and details of ascendance and recommend for re-
admission.
c) Disciplinary actions shall be imposed but not harmful.

9. Receiving and Giving Gifts

a) Donations received either in cash or in kind shall be issued with
acknowledgment receipt.
b) All donations shall be properly documented and reported.
c) No personnel in the Happy Home shall keep personally the donations. It
shall be intended for the residents in the Happy Home.
 d) Liquidation reports for the expenditures of cash donations and in kind shall
be strictly required.

10. Attendance to court hearings, if any

a) The Social Worker and the Protection and Safety Unit shall be
responsible for the escort of former rebel in the court during schedule of
court hearings or during consultations with his/her legal counsel.
b) The Center Manager shall coordinate with the Local Government Unit to
monitor the progress of case especially if former rebel already returned to
his/her community

CHAPTER V

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Programs and Services provided in the Happy Home include the following:

1. Counseling sessions - series of interviews carried out by a social

worker for the purpose of helping thresh out or resolve social and personal
problems of a former rebel. Counseling is a helping relationship between the
counselor and the resident that involves active participation where problems are
examined and processed. This will be done in individual, group or peer
counseling. The Psychosocial Unit is responsible for series of counseling
needed by a former rebel.

2. Psychological/Psychiatric Services - It is imperative that former rebel

shall freely submit for psychological evaluation upon admission in the home to
determine the behavioral manifestations and mental state of the mind for
eventual referral to psychiatrist, if necessary. The resident Psychologist shall
administer the evaluation. Series of group therapy sessions are integral part in
weekly activities.

3. Spiritual Enrichment Services - refers to congregation of different

religions, sects for a fellowship and encouraging for moral recovery on spiritual
and cultural values.

4. Educational Services - provision of opportunities for continuing

education of former rebel through formal and non-formal education in
cooperation with the Department of Education and other agencies.

5. Health Services - includes general physical examination of

former rebels to determine the health status as well as to rule out communicable
diseases. It may be medical checkup, dental, prenatal and postnatal for pregnant
women and immunization of infants. Coordination with the Provincial Health
 Office (PHO) shall be established for accessibility of former rebel’s avail of health
services.

6. Skills Training Program - refers to series of activities for economic

independence and enhancement of skills that may benefit the former rebel upon
integration to normal community life. This may include trainings on agri business,
livestock production, and small entrepreneurship, short courses on vocational
and other related skills training courses.

Former Rebel who is involved in the project in the Happy Home with production
sales shall get a % share out from the net proceeds. Proper recording and
accounting shall strictly implemented. The Capability Building and Employment
Unit shall be responsible for the flow of the activities in the center.

7. Livelihood Assistance Program - refers to capital assistance

extended to a certain former rebel to uplift his economic status either
independently or with the support of the family. The project to be implemented is
based on the Reintegration Plan discussed and agreed upon by the Happy Home
worker and the former rebel. Project monitoring shall be conducted after three
(3) months upon receipt of the livelihood assistance.

8. Employment Services - Former Rebel shall be provided job

opportunities either open or self-employment.

Open Employment - refers to job opportunities working in the

government establishments, other institutions, private companies or
individuals having an employer with compensation appropriate for the
services rendered.

Self-Employment - refers to job opportunities without an employer

but working independently with skills and capacities to improve economic
status with owned capital funds.

9. Sports Development Program - a program designed for former rebels to

develop sportsmanship and improve physical fitness. They are free to choose
playing basketball, badminton, volleyball, chess, soccer or other related sports
that they are interested to participate. They may involve in sports competition if
found interested, capable and with strong teamwork.

10. Therapy Sessions and Workshops - process of psychosocial

interventions minimizing trauma experienced by a certain former rebel while in
the underground movement or had painful and fearful experiences during
childhood. This may be done individually or group work activities. Series of
 methodologies shall be administered by a therapist appropriate for the healing
and recovery process.

11. Legal Services - the availing of free legal services for FRs with
court related cases at Provincial Attorney’s Office (PAO). Consultation with legal
counsel and appearances in court shall be provided.

Republic of the Philippines

Province of Davao Oriental
PROVINCIAL PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL
Half Way House
Magay, Don Martin Marundan, City of Mati

ADMISSION SLIP
_________________
Date
This is to acknowledge that I have received the living person of
____________________________________,_________________________________
(Name of Former Rebel) (Address)

referred by __________________________, _______________

(Referring Party) (Address)

for temporary admission at the Half Way House on ____________________________

(Date of Admission & time)

to avail the Comprehensive Local IntegrationProgram (CLIP) with the following

description:

Weight : _____________ Height : _____________

Eyes : _____________ Color of skin:_____________
Distinguishing Mark : ___________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth :___________________________ Place of Birth__________________

Educational Attainment : ________________________ Religion: __________________

Observation upon admission ( Behavior, health, mannerism,habit)

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

How much money he/she has?____________________

Other assets deposited __________________________
Documents Received Upon admission:
  Custodial Debriefing Report
 Referral letter
 Legal/ Court Documents
 Medical Record
 School Report
 Others, __________________________

Received by:

Name of Worker
WITNESSES:

1. _______________________________
2._________________________________
(Referring Party)
_______________________________ _________________________________
Address
________________________________
_________________________________
Contact number

APPROVED BY: _______________________________________________

Center Manager
 Republic of the Philippines
Province of Davao Oriental
PROVINCIAL PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL
Half Way House
Magay, Don Martin Marundan, City of Mati

DISCHARGE SLIP

_______________
Date

This is to acknowledge that I have been discharged from the Half Way House on
__________________________ after availing the Comprehensive Local Integration
Program (CLIP)
(Date of Discharge)
for ______ months and in good health with the following description:

Weight ______________ Height ______________

Body Built ______________ Eyes ______________
Skin _____________

Observation upon Discharge:

______________________________________________
(Behavior, health, mannerism, etc.)

______________________________________________________________________
________

Medical Records while at the center

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Money of FR ___________________ Inventory of belongings

_____________________

____________________________________
Name & Signature of Former Rebel
WITNESSES

1. _____________________________

2. _____________________________

APPROVED BY

______________________________________
Center Manager
 Republic of the Philippines
Province of Davao Oriental
PROVINCIAL PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL
Half Way House

_________
Date
OUT ON PASS SLIP

_____________________________________________________
Name of Resident

_____________________________________________________
Date and time leaving the center

_____________________________________________________
Destination/Location

_____________________________________________________
Purpose

_____________________________________________________
Date and time returning to center

_____________________________________________________
Accompanying Person

____________________________________________________
Relation

Recommended by: Witnesses:

__________________________________
Social Worker/Psychosocial Unit 1._____________________________
2._____________________________
APPROVED BY:

------------------------------------------------------------
Center Manager Validated by:

_____________________________
Safety and Protection Unit