TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) – The local government of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar and the Philippine Army have extended assistance to 10 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to encourage more rebels to surrender.
“Besides the provision of immediate assistance, the municipal task force to end local communist armed conflict members decided to help in fulfilling the wishes of the surrenderers to be able to legally marry and for their children to get legal identities,” Lopez said Monday, August 1.
Lopez said Lope de Vega Mayor Bobby Saludario handed over on July 30 at least P5,000 cash to each former rebel to help them rebuild their lives that was shattered by years of armed struggle.
Other services extended include mass wedding for four couples and christening of three children of ex-rebels.
The surrenderers turned over a caliber 5.56 M16A1 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, four .45 caliber pistols, one .22 caliber handgun, and one .38 caliber revolver.
Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo, commander of the Army 80rd Infantry Brigade, lauded the efforts of soldiers and policemen for the successful surrender of the rebels.
"I encourage the remaining NPA members to abandon their armed struggle and avail of the services prepared by the government for them to live peacefully with their loved ones. The provincial and municipal task forces here in Northern Samar have prepared benefits to those who will surrender,” Peñaredondo said in a statement.
Under the local social integration program and enhanced comprehensive integration program, former rebels or their qualified beneficiaries will get benefits ranging from guaranteed safety and security, financial assistance such as P50,000 subsistence allowance, P21,000 for food expenses while in custody of the receiving unit, P15,000 for travel and mobilization expenses, and corresponding compensation for surrendered firearms.
They will receive them after completing the validation process, Lopez said.