Former rebels in Davao Region receive cash assistance from government

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 20): Former rebels in Davao Region receive cash assistance from government

A total of 31 former members of the communists New People’s Army (NPA) from various areas in Davao region received cash assistance from the government in a turn over ceremony in Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley on Wednesday.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of 10th Infantry (Agila) Division said each of the former rebels received PHP15,000 cash and compensation from the firearms they surrendered to the Philippine Army.

The distribution of cash assistance was led by Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy and supported by the Department of Interior and Local Government in the region (DILG-11) and the army’s 1001st brigade.

A total of PHP465,000 worth of checks were received by the 31 former rebels who came from the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur.

Among those who surrendered were minors profiled by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Compostela Valley, the army’s 1001st brigade. The minors will also receive educational assistance from the government, the army said.

The former rebels were also encouraged to come up with their business plan as attachment to the livelihood assistance worth PHP 50,000 that will be handed to them in the next round of distribution together with the firearms remuneration.

The amount will come from the DILG’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program or CLIP.
Col. Macairog S. Alberto, Commander of 1001st brigade lauded the local government unit of Compostela Valley and the government agencies for the support they provided to the former rebels.

Alberto also assured the former rebels of the government’s continued support with the hope that they would be able to rebuild their lives as they join the mainstream society.

“As a support to Peace Process, we encourage our lost brothers to return to the comfort of their families, enjoy the spirit of Christmas with their loved ones and take advantage of government programs significantly the CLIP for an opportunity to live a peaceful and prosperous life,” Alberto added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=933046