8 former rebels get financial assistance from Capiz provincial gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): 8 former rebels get financial assistance from Capiz provincial gov't

To expedite their transition to mainstream society, the Capiz provincial government gave Php15,000 each to eight former New People's Army (NPA) fighters Thursday.

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the surrenderees are former members of the Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay (CF, KR-P).

He added that the ex-rebels received Php15, 000.00 each as initial cash assistance under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) administered by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr., and 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, DILG Capiz provincial director Clyne Deocampo, 301st Infantry Brigade Col. Eric Uchida and 61st Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Victor Llapitan welcomed the returnees.

All the ex-NPA fighters said that their decision to surrender was brought about by their desire to live with their families peacefully.

“We call on the NPAs to abandon the armed struggle and to live a life in peace. The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the government will give you a chance to live with your families and will assist you to start a new life and give a better future for your children,” Guerrero said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=715665