DOLE, NGOs give ex-NPA rebels equipment for small businesses

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22, 2024): DOLE, NGOs give ex-NPA rebels equipment for small businesses (By Zen Trinidad)

NEW BEGINNINGS. Former communist rebels receive livelihood equipment, groceries and cash from the Department of Labor and Employment-Rizal and civil society groups in this undated photo. DOLE-Rizal said on Monday (Jan. 22, 2024) the material assistance will help the rebel returnees start their lives anew. (Photo courtesy of Pau Mojar)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in collaboration with several non-government organizations, distributed over the weekend various livelihood equipment to six former New People’s Army (NPA) members to help them return to being productive citizens.

Victoria Natanauan, supervising labor and employment officer at DOLE-Rizal, said in a follow-up interview on Monday the unnamed beneficiaries from Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City received from the government and supportive NGOs machines to be used in operating welding shops, car wash stations and coffee shops, among others.

“The livelihood packages will enable the surrenderers to start their lives anew through income-generating activities,” she said.

Good Neighbors International Philippines, a developmental and humanitarian organization, collaborated with DOLE on the project.

Meanwhile, another surrenderer from Rizal province received a sack of rice, groceries and a cash gift from two other civil society organizations – the Advisory Council and Sinag Elite Lady Eagles Club – which have committed to helping end insurgency in the country.

Personnel of the Philippine National Police's 404th A Maneuver Company (AMC) of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4A assisted with the turnover of livelihood packages in an undisclosed location in Barangay San Jose.

During the turnover ceremony, the former rebels expressed their gratitude to the government and civil society groups for giving them a new lease on life.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217381