Fifty eight former rebels receive cash assistance from OPAPP

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 29): Fifty eight former rebels receive cash assistance from OPAPP

Fifty eight former rebels received cash assistance of P2.9 million from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) during the recent provincial government’s formal assembly at the Kaamulan Theater. Magss Barrios, Regional Coordinator, OPAPP 10, said each qualified former rebel (FR) beneficiary received P50,000 from OPAPP’s Social Integration Program (SIP). “SIP involves the management of forces, arms, and ammunition of former rebels as well as their transition into civilian life,” Barrios said. The 58 FR beneficiaries are part of the 276 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered several years ago. They are residents of Malaybalay City, Talakag, Manolo Fortich, and Cabanglasan towns.

The army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon has increased cooperation since it acknowledged the contribution of each government agency, civil society organization, and even local community, as evidenced by some 276 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered in Bukidnon since July 2010. While lauding the army’s achievement, Governor Alex P. Calingasan has shelled P3.4 million for the reintegration of the former rebels, with the latest, the surrender of 45 persons reported to be NPA members formally turned over to the provincial government. The governor also said former rebels have been enrolled in the Provincial Livelihood Program. The SIP aims to benefit former rebels and their dependents who wish to reenter or reintegrate into mainstream society. “The program further reconciles former rebels with their respective families and communities, as well as creates opportunities for change so that they become productive citizens in society,” Barrios said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1501354153852