60 ex-rebels in AgNor receive financial aid from government

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 23, 2020): 60 ex-rebels in AgNor receive financial aid from government (By Jennifer P. Gaitano) 

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera, together with representative Maria Angelica Rosedelle Amante-Matba and chief of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga, handed over the P20,000 financial aid to each of the 60 former rebels who surrendered to the government’s fold.

Governor Corvera expressed that despite limited funds given to the former rebels, this could already help them start a new journey as they intend to live a normal life in the mainstream society and start a livelihood for their family.

“Utilize this money properly, do not just spend it on unnecessary things. Make sure that your family would also benefit from the financial assistance given to you,” said Corvera.

In addition to the cash benefits, the FRs’ dependents would also be given scholarship slots. This is apart from the housing program which will also be provided to them.

“We have started purchasing the needed materials which will be used to construct your houses in Sitio Bulak,” Corvera bared.

Agusan del Norte board member Elizabeth Calo stressed the need to extend assistance to the former rebels who felt the real concern of the government and would no longer return to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) movement.

Meanwhile, alias Louie, one of the FR-beneficiaries was thankful to have received the financial assistance. He said the government has been true to its promise and commitment to take care of them when they surrender.

“The government has not failed us. We may have failed in our dreams before, but now we did not fail in our intention to surrender to the government,” said alias Louie. (JPG/NCL/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054012