SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug. 17 (PIA) - - At least 96 former supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels received livelihood assistance from the city government of Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr., the commander of the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion (IB), said on Monday that these former NPA supporters, who renounced their support for the rebels, were residents of Barangays Tablac and Bugnay, both in Candon City.
Each supporter received P8,500.00 livelihood assistance from the Candon City Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC), in coordination with the army’s 81st IB and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Candon City Mayor Ericson G. Singson, together with the police and the army officers distributed the assistance at the city’s multi-purpose hall on July 17.
"This endeavor is one of the initiatives of the government to help the former NPA supporters, who pledged their loyalty to the government, through giving a small amount to start with income-generating activities," said Mariñas.
Mayor Singson expressed optimism that the aid given to the beneficiaries will be used for a venture that will help them earn more income.
Singson challenged the beneficiaries to propagate the livelihood assistance they received and be an epitome for the others who are still supporting the NPA bandits.
He said that the assistance given to the former NPA supporters was the city government’s continuing commitment to the whole of nation’s approach to end the local communist armed conflict.
“I am appealing to each and everyone to cooperate in ending the problem of local insurgency in order to achieve a lasting peace and development, as we can do it for Candon,” said Mayor Singson.
Army Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia PA, the commander of the army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the leadership of Candon City in contributing to the efforts of the national government and the security sector in coming up with a positive action to end the local armed conflict.
“I am confident that this endeavor will encourage other NPA supporters to return to the folds of the government,” said Pasia. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050478
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