AID FOR EX-REBELS. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson welcomes back the 57 former New People’s Army rebels to mainstream society during the distribution of assistance held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Tuesday (May 16, 2023). The former combatants and Yunit Militia members received financial assistance of PHP5,000 each along with food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY – At least 57 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental province received financial assistance of PHP5,000 each along with food packs on Tuesday as part of the support given by the government in their return to mainstream society.
The distribution of assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office was led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, in a ceremony held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol here.
“Today’s pay-out of assistance and distribution of food packs is proof of the commitment of the provincial government to assist and support your re-integration to our society,” Lacson said.
The former rebels are provided with the initial aid while the assistance they will receive under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the national government is still being processed.
The majority of the recipients are NPA combatants while some are members of the Yunit Militia.
Lacson welcomed the former rebels back to society as he thanked them for choosing the path of peace.
“ I understand that you went through a lot of thought before you came up with your decision, and I want to assure that you made the right decision. Choosing peace is always the better choice,” the governor said.
“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,” he added. (PNA)
