More insurgents give up armed struggle in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): More insurgents give up armed struggle in Leyte

The number of New People’s Army in Leyte continues to dwindle as more opted to avail of programs made available by the government to rebel returnees.

Col. Rafael Valencia, commander of the 802nd Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) said more than 20 former New People's Army (NPA) gave up their armed struggle since he assumed his post.

From around 100, the rebels' number has decreased to estimated 40, concentrated in the mountainous areas of central Leyte.

He attributed the success to the local social integration program of Leyte that has been very active in providing assistance to rebels who decided to surrender.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) for this year has also released some P2.15 million for livelihood assistance.

Rebels who surrender their firearms are also entitled to compensation in addition to livelihood assistance.

Meantime as barangay election draws near, he said that they continue to make their presence felt in areas where there is a presence of insurgents and urged them to vote for people they believe in and not because of force and intimidation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=579709