BACOLOD CITY – Seventeen former New People’s Army rebels from Negros Occidental recently received financial assistance totaling P228,000 from the provincial government.

NEGROS Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson recently turned over financial assistance to 17 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who are now peace volunteers in a ceremony at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City. (Photo courtesy of Capitol PIO)
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the turnover to the recipients who are now called peace and development community volunteers at the Social Hall of the provincial capitol here.
The cash aid aims to support the efforts of members of the Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan which advocates peace and development programs.
Lacson assured that the government will continue to provide assistance to the group which considered priority.
He said that peace and unity are ways toward progress and development.
Lacson thanked them for choosing peace.
Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of Army 303rd Infantry Brigade, urged the people to use this opportunity as a catalyst for peace and progress.
“May this serve as a reminder of the power of unity, cooperation, and achieving of goals of having a secured peaceful and progressive Negros Island,” he added.
Edralin thanked local government units (LGUs) and contributors to the endeavor. “Let us work hand-in-hand to build a stronger and more resilient community.”
Sambayanan is an organization composed of former members of the NPA who abandoned the armed struggle.
Meanwhile, the military recovered a high-powered firearm hidden in an encounter site following information from a former NPA rebel in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, August 4.
Recovered was an assault rifle 5.56mm (M653) with seven bullets, including a short magazine, in a creek and forested area.
The informant was a remnant of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF-D) who recently surrendered to the authorities.
They were reportedly part of the Battle of Pinapugasan in Escalante City from February 21 to 27.
Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, said the recovery of the firearm is a triumph of the people of Negros.