More rebel returnees get aid

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 22): More rebel returnees get aid

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. distributed P149,338.75 in livelihood projects and financial assistance to 15 former rebels at the Governor’s Office in Bacolod City yesterday.

The governor said since he assumed his post, 99 rebels have returned to the fold of the law in Negros Occidental amid growing confidence in the government.

Col. Oscar Lactao, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, who presented the rebels to the governor, said that, in 2011, there were 320 New People’s Army rebels operating in Negros Occidental but are now down to about 220.

The 15 former rebels yesterday received 400 free range chickens worth P20,000, 15 piglets worth P33,000, three bags of hog grower feeds valued at P3,600, three bags of chick booster mash worth P5,400, 15 pairs of plastic feeder and water container, veterinary drugs worth P4,940, T-shirts, caps and umbrellas worth P5,700, and cash incentives of P5,000 each.

Marañon welcomed the former rebels back to mainstream society and told them the provincial government is always ready to assist them in their livelihood projects.

He also advised them to prioritize the education of their children because that is the best way to combat poverty.

All returnees will also be enrolled in the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program of the provincial government, he added.

The former rebels thanked the governor and Lactao for giving them the chance to live normal lives.

Also present at the turnover of assistance were Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Renante Decena, Planning and Development Coordinator Marlin Sanogal, and Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/March/22/topstory4.htm