Embrace Lenten peace, rebels urged

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 21): Embrace Lenten peace, rebels urged

The Army's 3rd Infantry Division renewed its call on remnants of the New People's Army in Negros, Panay, and Central Visayas to embrace peace – and turn their backs from armed violence, as the observance of Lenten season started yesterday.

While observing the Lenten week, Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros 3ID commander, said NPA rebels can spend time with their families, while reflecting on the violence they are espousing.

Military records show that a total of 306 NPA members in Panay and Negros have abandoned the armed struggle and returned to the folds of the law from 2011 to 2015, an indication that the CPP-NPA continues to lose ground in the region, Cabreros said.

While in the first quarter of this year, 10 NPA members in Panay gave up the armed struggle and turned themselves over to the government authorities, while many others sent surrender feelers, he added.

“With our continued efforts in internal peace and security operations, we are certain that we will sustain the grounds in winning the peace in this part of the country,” Cabreros declared.

  “Those who chose the right path are now enjoying a renewed life together with their families and are even productive in their communities as they have availed of the government's  Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP)”, he said.

  Lt. Col. Rey Tiongson,3ID spokesman, said former rebels may avail of the CLIP where the beneficiaries will receive   P15,000 each for financial assistance and P50, 000 worth of livelihood assistance.

Cash incentives also await those who may surrender firearms, such as P200,000 for light machine gun, P50,000 for COLT M16 rifle, P 60,000. for M14 rifle and P40,000 for M203 grenade launcher.

Tiongson said former rebels may also avail of TESDA skills training and other livelihood programs of the government.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/March/21/topstory5.htm