The provincial government of Negros Oriental on Friday turned over cash assistance of P3,000 each to 24 more rebel returnees to help them rebuild their lives following their surrender.
Governor Roel Degamo led other civilian and military officials in the turnover of the financial aid to the rebel returnees at the Capitol.
The rebel returnees earlier went through validation and processing by the provincial office of the Department of Social Welfare & Development.
They were identified as Langie Desmoparan, Romy Banawa, Bartolome Quita, Danny Potane, Jorgie Quitay, Marcelo Gallardo, Alfredo Recla, Junny Dacal Dacal, Jarvie Edano, Marilou Angcon, Genie Labrador, Jessie Ragay, Pedro Candilaza, Rocelyn Namoco, Joan Gajelloma, Joel Gajelloma, Rosalina Delos Santos, Wyne Alegre, Arnel Aplicador, Jess Potane, Lodie Espadilla, Lovie Espadilla, Rey Sayson and Federico Inoferio.
Six others, namely Benmar Gutib, Sanny Boy Sinda, Ramil Cadelina, Romnick Dacal Dacal, Jory Lascuna and Maribeth Lascuna had also each received P3,000 in assistance from the provincial government last May 7.
The financial assistance is part of the government’s efforts to help former members of the rebel New People’s Army to start afresh with their lives after living the underground movement.
Aside from Degamo, also present during the simple turnover ceremony were Lt. Col. Christopher Estella, deputy commander of the 302nd Brigade of the Philippine Army, provincial DSWD chief Alice Legarde, Supt. Reynold Andot representing OIC provincial police director, Supt. Mariano Natuel, Jr., Lt. Col. Harry Pascua of the 79th IB and Lt. Col. Miguel Ceballos of the 20th IB, among others.
Governor Degamo has repeatedly assured of continuous support to efforts to attain lasting peace in the province, especially now that Negros Oriental has been declared conflict manageable and development ready in terms of the insurgency problem. (PNA)
