AFP releases last tranche of firearms remuneration to 2 rebel returnees in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): AFP releases last tranche of firearms remuneration to 2 rebel returnees in Leyte

BURAUEN, Leyte - Two rebel returnees from Leyte Monday received their last tranche of the P50,000 firearms remuneration under the Guns for Peace program of the Armed Forces.

The two, whose names were withheld for security reasons, surrendered one M16 rifle each.

Each received P30,000 and family gift packs in Monday's ceremony at the headquarters of the 78th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Abuyogan this town.

Col. Rafael C. Valencia, commander of the 802nd Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said that an initial P20, 000 was already released to each of the two ex-rebels upon their surrender.

They are also entitled to a P35, 000 assistance each from the provincial government of Leyte.

The province allots P10,000 for basic immediate assistance and P25,000 for firearms surrendered that returnees could use to start a livelihood project.

Valencia added that they are now processing the P50,000 livelihood assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

Valencia, meantime, urged the returnees to encourage their other comrades to give up their arm struggle without necessarily giving up their cause.

He added that they could still talk peacefully in order to respond to any concerns that they would like to be addressed.

On the other hand, Gwendolyn Malate of the Leyte provincial social welfare and development office expressed hope that the intention of returnees for returning into the fold of law is not just to avail of the assistance.

She stressed that the government “is sincere in helping former rebels.”

Malate explained that aside from the assistance provided to them by the AFP, OPAPP and the provincial government, they could still avail of other poverty alleviation programs of the government depending on their needed.

Among others she mentioned of counseling and even scholarship program from the national government for those who would like to continue with their studies.

She likewise lauded the provincial government for being supportive of the PSWDO, especially when it comes to provision of assistance to former rebels.

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