• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Twelve former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental availed of financial aid, through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, on May 10.
Each beneficiary received P5,000 each from the local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict led by Mayor Filomeno Reyes in rites held at the Guihulngan Satellite Skills Development Center.
One of the former rebels is suffering from severe illness, according to the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion, which facilitated the surrender along with personnel of the Philippine National Police.
Reyes urged the former rebels to convince their previous colleagues to surrender as well.
“No need to carry weapons and hide, feel hunger or sacrifice walking under the rain and hot weather, they just need to surrender and be free just like you,” he told the former rebels.
The financial assistance was released on top of the benefits they will receive under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. | GB
