Two more former members of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Oriental who returned to mainstream society have received a P50,000 financial assistance each from the Office of the Presidential Advise on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
The rebel returnees, whose identities have been withheld as requested, are the latest in Negros Oriental to avail of the government’s livelihood assistance program for those who have returned to the folds of the law.
Records show that there are already 20 former rebels who are recipients of livelihood assistance as part of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) since July 2012.
The P50,000.00 cash given to the rebel returnees as livelihood assistance aims to ensure their successful integration to the community and to improve their socio economic status.
The two former rebels who received the livelihood assistance early this month will undergo a skills training seminar soon, said Capt. Cresencio Gargar, Public Information Officer of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Guns for Peace Program offers cash incentive to members of the NPA who return to mainstream society with their firearms.
For every high-caliber firearm turned over to the government, immediate cash incentive is given. The seed money is intended to start life anew for the rebels while transitioning back to the community.
The allocated cash incentive depends on the type of firearms surrendered: Php 200,000.00 for light machine guns, Php 50,000.00 for COLT M16 rifle, Php 60,000.00 for M14 rifle and Php 40,000.00 for M203 Grenade Launchers.
Colonel Francisco M. Patrimonio, Commander of the Army’s 302nd Brigade said this incentive “offers a big opportunity for our long lost brothers and sisters to start a new life with a bright future ahead for their families”. (PNA) LAP/JFP
