The chief of the Philippine Army in Negros Occidental called on the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) anew to leave the rebel movement and talk peace with the government.
Col. Jon Aying, commanding officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, made the call after two NPA rebels were captured during an encounter in Toboso town over the weekend.
Aying said those who will surrender can avail of livelihood programs and other assistance from the government.
Under the Armed Forces of the
Aying also said that under the Provincial Wellness Program, NPA rebels who return to the mainstream society are being assisted to regain their normal lives.
“Why continue fighting when we can work together for peace?” the Army official said.
The Wellness Program is the five-year Peace and Development Plan (5YPDP) of the
The Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit (Pro-PIDU) is implementing the Wellness Program.
“Our lines are open any time for them. We will continue reaching out to our brothers. We hope our message reaches them so that no more lives will be lost,” Colonel Aying said.
Following the launch of the “Guns for Peace” last May, five rebel returnees received P320,000 after they surrendered their firearms to the Philippine Army.
Under the AFP Guns for Peace Program, light machine guns have a cash equivalent of P200,000; Colt M16 rifle, P50,000; M14, P60,000; and M203 grenade launchers, P40,000.
As of July this year, the provincial government of Negros Occidental has extended almost P1 million in financial and livelihood assistance to 90 former rebels, who have surrendered to the 303rd Infantry Brigade since 2010.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566344
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