Ex-rebel receives cash, food aid from LGU in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2022): Ex-rebel receives cash, food aid from LGU in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

ASSISTANCE. The local government unit of Dingalan in Aurora led by Mayor Shierwin Taay (third from left) provides assistance to a surrendered rebel (third from right) on Monday (Jan. 24, 2022). The mayor assured that the local government will help the former rebel in going back to mainstream society. (Photo courtesy of Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – A former rebel who voluntarily surrendered to authorities last week received assistance from the local government unit of Dingalan, this province on Monday.

Dingalan town Mayor Shierwin H. Taay personally handed over some PHP10,000 cash assistance and food packs to Berboy Calara Aviendo, who was a member of the dismantled communist guerrilla front Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the New People's Army (NPA).

Aviendo surrendered to Joint Task Force Kaugnay’s 91st Infantry Battalion on January 17 and yielded his firearm the following day.

The former rebel, who has been an inactive member of the organization since April last year, surrendered an M14 rifle, along with a magazine for M14, and nine rounds of ammunition.

Taay said the surrender of Aviendo manifested that the government is serious in its efforts to end local communist armed conflict and has made a big leap in its quest for sustainable peace and development.

The mayor assured that the local government unit of Dingalan will help the former rebel in going back to mainstream society.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91st IB, appealed to the remaining members of the dismantled terrorist group to lay down their arms and live peacefully with their families.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

In July last year, the National Democratic Front has also been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166219