Thursday, January 21, 2021

28 ex-NPAs receive cash benefits from Guihulngan TF-ELCAC

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 20, 2021): 28 ex-NPAs receive cash benefits from Guihulngan TF-ELCAC (By Jennifer Tilos)


Guihulngan City Mayor Jorge Joan "Guido" Reyes (left) leads the distribution of cash assistance and firearms remuneration to former rebels with Philippine Army officials from the 62nd Infantry Batallion. (Contributed photo)

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- A total of P168,000 in financial assistance package and P105,000 in remuneration for surrendered firearms have been offered to 28 former rebels (FRs) and militia ng bayan members (MBs) on Jan. 15, 2021 in Guihulngan City.

The Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (GCTF-ELCAC) has granted the whole amount of P273,000 based on the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).


The assistance will help the former rebels to go back to their normal lives and be with their family.

Guhulngan City Mayor Jorge Joan “Guido” Reyes, who sits as chairperson of the task force, has led the ceremonial turnover of financial assistance and firearms remuneration together with other local officials and law enforcement agencies in the area.

The activity was also highlighted by the unveiling of the Guihulngan City Peace Pole GCTF- ELCAC installed in front of the City Hall which symbolizes the city’s commitment to peace and bears the message “Kalinaw ug Kahusay Ipatunhay” and “Let peace prevail."

The task force awarded renumeration to the rebels who voluntarily surrendered and turned over their firearms, from high-powered firearms to smaller ones including the M16 rifles to caliber 357 and 38mm and ammunition.


Commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion Lt. Col. Melvin Flores (2nd from right) and Guilhungan City Mayor Guido Reyes (far right) join the unveiling of the Peace Pole of Guihulngan TF-ELCAC. (Contributed photo)

The cash assistance was distributed to each of the former rebels, militia ng bayan, and Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) members categorization.

In his address to the beneficiaries, Reyes said, “We are thankful that you decided to return to the fold of our government and you will not regret it. Our 62IB, PNP, local government agencies, and City Government of Guihulngan are always ready to help you. I hope that all of your comrades will be encouraged to surrender.”

For his part, Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, commanding officer of 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion said, “Today is another milestone on how to achieve genuine peace in Guihulngan City and you are playing an enormous role. Now, we also have the unveiling of the ELCAC Peace Pole, which symbolizes our strong commitment and quest for peace.”

Flores expected that the residents in the city as well as the surrenderers will continue to be peace advocates and good citizens as well.

He assured that the 62IB will continue to collaborate with Task Force-ELCAC to end the armed conflict and to achieve a just and lasting peace in Guihulngan City. (jct/PIA Negros Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064348

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.