Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Army's 8th ID continues to lure rebel returnees back to fold

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Army's 8th ID continues to lure rebel returnees back to fold

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is offering cash incentives and livelihood programs to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrender with their firearms under its Guns for Peace Program.

Capt. Amado Gutierrez, spokesperson of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City said the firearms remuneration package is intended to support the rebel returnees and their families as they integrate themselves into mainstream society.

Gutierrez said the AFP will pay P200,000 for light machine guns, P60,000 for M-14 assault rifle, P50,000 for Colt M-16 armalite rifle, and P40,000 for M-203 grenade launcher.

“The rebel returnees will also be able to avail of government livelihood programs, from the comprehensive local integration program, that includes immediate cash assistance ranging from P5,000 to P15,000,” Gutierrez said.

Last month, two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were given extended financial assistance by the government under its Gun for Peace Program.

Former rebel members Romeo Banagbanag and Roberto Rom received P50,000 each, which represented the M-16 firearms they surrendered to the government.

Gutierrez said they have received many surrender feelers from the NPA members, who say they are already tired of hiding in the mountains, and now want to live a normal life with their families.

The AFP Guns for Peace Program is a transition mechanism that is also open to other armed threat groups.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=533259

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