BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental recently turned over financial assistance totaling P1.1 million to 42 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
FORTY-TWO former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels receive financial assistance totaling P1.1 million from the provincial government of Negros Occidental in a ceremony held at Mambukal Resort in Murcia, Negros Occidental on Oct. 18. (Photo courtesy of 303rd IBde)
Thirty-five former communist rebels received P30,000 each and seven militia members received P15,000 each.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, through the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and the Office of the Provincial Administrator, led the turnover of the cash assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) at the Function Hall 2 of Mambukal Resort in Murcia, Negros Occidental on Oct. 18.
According to the Army 94th Infantry Battalion where the beneficiaries surrendered, the financial assistance aims to help them reintegrate back to the community.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Alfredo San Agustin, executive officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said they hope that the cash assistance given to the former rebels will entice them to join in nation-building.