Army releases aid to 12 ex-NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3): Army releases aid to 12 ex-NPA rebels

The 12 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel returnees received cash assistance and firearms remuneration.

Capt. Norman Tagros, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 403rd Infantry Brigade, said that of the 12 rebel returnees , five were regular members who received P 65,000 cash and firearms remuneration each, while the eight others were members of the NPA's Militia ng Bayan, each of them received remuneration for the firearms they surrendered.

The Army’s 403rd IB is operating under the 4th Infantry Division within the area of the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Camp Panacan, Davao City.

The government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) offers livelihood assistance amounting to P50,000 and immediate cash assistance of P15,000 to NPA members who will surrender, including remuneration for each corresponding firearm.

The offer also included a re-integration package for livelihood and capacity development trainings.

The CLIP Committee of Bukidnon, headed by Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, Commander of the 403rd Infantry "Peacemaker" Brigade and Co-Chair of the Committee, together with Richard Macas, Provincial IP Mandatory Representative, and the representatives from the DILG, PNP, and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, facilitated the distribution of the CLIP assistance.

"I am deeply pleased and thankful that our brothers who are former NPA members received their assistance from the government through the CLIP of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process or OPAPP,” Vinoya said.

"With this, I urge all those NPA members who remain victims of the futility of the armed struggle and misguided by the ill propaganda of the NPA leaders to go down, surrender, and live your lives peacefully. We are here to assist you,” he said.

The brigade commander also said the rebels should take the opportunity because the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is offering a comprehensive surrender program where they can have the benefits of cash and livelihood assistance, capacity development, housing, and employment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014664