BACOLOD CITY - The city government of Sagay in Negros Occidental turned over financial assistance to eight former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Tuesday, September 3.
MAYOR Narciso Javelosa, chairperson of the Sagay City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in Negros Occidental, and Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of Army 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), welcome NPA rebels who recently surrendered to authorities during the distribution of financial aid at the 79th IB headquarters in Barangay Bato on Tuesday, September 3. (Photo courtesy of 79th IB)
Mayor Narciso Javelosa, chairperson of Sagay City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), led the distribution of the cash and food assistance to the recipients who recently surrendered to the military at the Army 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) headquarters in Barangay Bato.
The assistance aims to provide rebel returnees with the necessary resources to start anew and contribute positively to community development, the Army said.
Javelosa commended the former rebels for their courageous decision to surrender as he reaffirmed the city’s continued commitment to provide support to those who choose to leave the armed struggle.
“This act of surrender is not only a step towards personal peace but also a significant contribution to the collective peace and progress of Northern Negros,” Javelosa said.
Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79th IB commander, thanked the local government units of Sagay and Escalante City, as well as other stakeholders, for their unwavering support.
He noted the importance of collaboration in the fight against insurgency, stressing that such partnerships are crucial in helping former rebels rebuild their lives.
The 79th IB said that this initiative serves as a compelling message to others who are still involved in the armed conflict to abandon the path of violence and choose peace as a way forward.
The amount of assistance was undisclosed.