Kalinaw News: 3.97 million in cash, awarded to 75 former rebels

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 5, 2023): 3.97 million in cash, awarded to 75 former rebels

Maco, Davao de Oro – A total of 3.97 million pesos in cash was awarded to Seventy Five (75) former rebel beneficiaries coming from different municipalities of Davao de Oro thru the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) on April 4, 2023, Wednesday at Davao de Oro Provincial Capitol, Brgy Cabidianan, Nabunturan, DDO.

Out of the 75 Former Rebels, 57 were former NPA regulars while 18 are former members of the Milisya ng Bayan who returned to the folds of the law in 2021. Former NPA Regulars received a total of P65,000.00 while the former members of the Milisyang Bayan received P15,000.00. The benefits will help aid the Former Rebels to start a new life as they re-integrate back to the mainstream society.

Provincial Governor Dorothy Gonzaga was assisted by Col Gerry Besana, Deputy Brigade Commander of 1001st Brigade, Mr Noel C Duarte, Provincial Director of the DILG, and Ms Josephine Frasco, Provincial Social Welfare Officer personally handed over the checks to the beneficiaries in a ceremony held at Provincial Capitol.

Alyas Axel, the Former Political Instructor of the Dismantled Guerrilla Front-2, which formerly operates in Davao de Oro, particularly in Pantukan-Mabini-Maco-Mawab Complex., expressed his gratitude for facilitating the benefits of the FRs. “For my former comrades, let us ensure that what we received today will be used properly. Its just a small amount, but it is a great help for us to start a new life. Its not for gambling and other vices. Furthermore, let us give thanks to the people who helped us, the PLGU, soldiers, police and all the employees of the government who willingly helped us despite the fact that once in our lives, we waged war against them. They still helped us, and let us be grateful for that”.

Meanwhile, Governor Gonzaga expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the FRs for their decision to surrender. She further expressed that the government is sincere in its promise to help the people it served. Moreover, she encouraged the FRs to knock on the doors of the government for whatever help it can provide, rather than joining any other group armed group. She encouraged the FRs to fully cooperate with the Government, as the Government is committed to serve its constituents, true to its slogan – Government Works.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3-97-million-in-cash-awarded-to-75-former-rebels/