57 former NPA rebels get cash aid from Negros Occidental provincial government
BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental turned over cash assistance totaling P285,000 to 57 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday, May 16.
NEGROS Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson leads the turnover of the P285,000 cash assistance to 57 former NPA rebels, in the presence of Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd IBde commander, at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Tuesday, May 16. (Photo courtesy of 303rd IBde) Capt. Mervin Rosal, civil-military operations officer of the Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said that each rebel returnee received P5,000 from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development. Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the turnover ceremony held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol here. Lacson said the provincial government is committed to assisting and supporting the former rebels as they re-integrate into society while the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) assistance from the national government is being processed. “It is my utmost aspiration that more of our Negrense brothers and sisters in the armed struggle will come back and join us as partners in the achievement of our inclusive peace and development agenda,” the governor said. In his message, Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd IBde commander, said the financial assistance was only part of the wide array of government assistance for the former rebels, who have chosen to return into the arms of their families and the society. He urged the former rebels to be the government's instrument and mouthpiece in encouraging other NPA rebels to surrender with their firearms and have a peaceful life with their families. Aside from the cash assistance, the former rebels also received food packs.
NEGROS Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson leads the turnover of the P285,000 cash assistance to 57 former NPA rebels, in the presence of Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd IBde commander, at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Tuesday, May 16. (Photo courtesy of 303rd IBde) Capt. Mervin Rosal, civil-military operations officer of the Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said that each rebel returnee received P5,000 from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development. Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the turnover ceremony held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol here. Lacson said the provincial government is committed to assisting and supporting the former rebels as they re-integrate into society while the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) assistance from the national government is being processed. “It is my utmost aspiration that more of our Negrense brothers and sisters in the armed struggle will come back and join us as partners in the achievement of our inclusive peace and development agenda,” the governor said. In his message, Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd IBde commander, said the financial assistance was only part of the wide array of government assistance for the former rebels, who have chosen to return into the arms of their families and the society. He urged the former rebels to be the government's instrument and mouthpiece in encouraging other NPA rebels to surrender with their firearms and have a peaceful life with their families. Aside from the cash assistance, the former rebels also received food packs.