Ilocos Norte gives cash aid, food packs to 197 ex-NPA supporters

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2023): Ilocos Norte gives cash aid, food packs to 197 ex-NPA supporters (By Leilanie Adriano)

LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT. Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc welcomes former supporters of the New People's Army as they turn their back on anti-government activities. On Monday (Jan. 16, 2023), some 197 former members of communist groups and sectoral front organizations were handed PHP3,000 each along with family food packs at Camp Valentin S. Juan in Laoag City. (PNA photo by Leilanie Adriano)

LAOAG CITY – Former supporters of the New People's Army (NPA) in Ilocos Norte continue to receive government livelihood support assistance aimed at making them productive members of the community.

Some 197 former members of the terrorist group and sectoral front organizations were handed PHP3,000 each along with family food packs at Camp Valentin S. Juan in this city on Monday.

Col. Julius Suriben told the recipients during a simple distribution program that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to support them and ensure their basic needs are met particularly in these trying times.

“Now that you have shown your intention to support the peace agenda of the government, your PNP is always here to guide and help you with your families as you recover,” he said.

Suriben said residents of Ilocos Norte continue to enjoy a generally peaceful community that is free of insurgents because of the government’s efforts to provide more opportunities for everyone.

Under the Ilocos Norte police projects with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), Suriben said they continue to sustain their 5Ps or the Patubig, Pailaw, Pantawag, Palikuran, Pabahay and Pangkabuhayan programs.

Every month since the project was launched early last year, the livelihood distribution program has benefited farmers, fisherfolk and agricultural workers. The Ilocos Norte police aim to benefit 25 families monthly.

In his short speech during the turnover and awarding, Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc reaffirmed his commitment to extend assistance and provide better opportunities to all Ilocanos.

“We welcome you with open arms as you undergo a smooth and successful assimilation with the local community,” Manotoc told the former rebel supporters who withdrew their support from the CTG last year and pledged to support the government in its peace and development initiatives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192815