2 rebel returnees in Iloilo get livelihood cash aid

From Panay News (Jun 23, 2020): 2 rebel returnees in Iloilo get livelihood cash aid

ILOILO City – Two former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Iloilo have received livelihood cash aid through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) in a last week statement said “Aguila” and “Carol” each received P15,000 cash and P50,000 worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Iloilo provincial government.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and DILG-Iloilo provincial director Teodora Sumagaysay turned over the assistance to the two former rebels in a ceremony during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting at the old provincial Capitol here on June 19.

Based on the information of the Army, “Aguila” was a former Team Leader of Special Partisan Unit, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay while “Carol” was a former Political Officer of Squad 2, Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, also of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.

The two also turned over to the government three firearms.

The former rebels said the cash assistance from the government can help them start their new peaceful life far from the hardship and hunger they experienced while under the communist group.

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) commander, said the surrender of the two is another indication that the CPP-NPA is only good at terrorism and breaking their promises to their members.

“I encourage the remaining NPAs to surrender. Be responsible citizens and instruments of peace,” said Batara./PN

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (With a report from PNA/PN)

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