Gov’t extends aid to rebel returnees in Northern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): Gov’t extends aid to rebel returnees in Northern Samar

The government on Thursday awarded cash assistance to six former rebels in the province who are recipients of local integration programs.

The six rebel returnees received PHP807,000 cash and livelihood aid from national government agencies and Northern Samar provincial government.

The livelihood assistance to former members of the New People’s Army is meant to help them start a new life. Before receiving the assistance, the six returnees completed basic business management and livelihood skills seminar.

Under the local social integration program of Northern Samar, a rebel returnee receives PHP10,000 worth of immediate assistance and PHP30,000 worth of livelihood assistance.

Northern Samar Vice Governor Gary Lavin led the awarding assisted by acting provincial social welfare and development officer Jenny Darish, and representative from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Maricel Bantilo-Balasolla.

Brig. Gen. Mario Lacurom, commander of the Army 803rd brigade based in Catarman, Northern Samar, called on rebels in the region to surrender and reintegrate with the community to avail government services.

By laying down their firearms and surrender to the government, rebels are expected to enjoy a normal life with their families, he said.

Lacurom also thanked the provincial government and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in providing assistance to rebel returnees.

Also during the program, a rebel returnee who requested anonymity thanked the government for the assistance.

He said that surrendering to the government is a great realization on their part that their decades-old armed struggle is not only futile and deceptive, but also a big waste of time.

The returnee vowed to use the assistance prudently and vowed never again join communist rebellion.

Aside from assistance given to a former rebel, the provincial government also offers monetary reward to any civilian who facilitates the surrender of a rebel under the Provincial Ordinance No. 5 series of 2011.

Under the ordinance, the facilitator receives PHP10,000 for the surrender of a rebel with firearms and PHP5,000 without firearms.

Rebels are still present in Northern Samar, said report from the 8th Infantry Division said.

Eastern Visayas region has 32 NPA-infested towns. At least 10 of these areas are in Northern Samar -- San Isidro, Victoria, Bobon, Catarman, Lope de Vega, Las Navas, Silvino Lobos, Laoang, Palapag, and Lapinig.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1016030