• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government on Thursday, July 17 extended financial assistance to 16 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels as part of its continuing efforts to support their reintegration into society and encourage lasting peace in the province.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Chiqui Gonzales said each beneficiary received P10,000 while their documents are being processed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) central office for additional aid under the government’s reintegration program.
Aside from the cash assistance, the former rebels also received food packs.
“What we have given you are our promises to help improve your lives,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson told the beneficiaries, assuring them of the provincial government’s continued support as they rebuild their futures.
The assistance comes as Lacson renewed his appeal for peace following the recent killing of two Negrenses in Victorias City.
Lacson expressed sadness over the continuing violence, saying, “It is very sad that Filipinos are killing each other.”
The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the New People’s Army claimed responsibility for the deaths of Jerome Seballos and Alex Cunanan in Sitio Singko, Barangay Gawahon, Victorias City.
Lacson reiterated his call on the remaining communist rebels to return to the fold of the law, assuring them that the government is ready to provide assistance for their reintegration.
He also assured them of the provincial government’s full support for the programs that help former rebels’ transition to peaceful and productive lives. | GPB
