• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Five former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) availed financial assistance of P10,000 each from Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental as part of their reintegration to mainstream society.
Before receiving the cash aid facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB), they formalized their surrender to the authorities on July 1.
Guihulngan City Mayor Filomeno Reyes led the awarding of financial assistance at the Mayor’s Office on Sept. 5, in the presence of 62IB Executive Officer Maj. Leonardo Faura, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Gianne Marie Mijares-Yu, and Ruel Reyes, who represented the Department of Interior and Loca Government.
In a statement, the 62IB continued to call on the remaining rebel remnants to return to the fold of the law, avail of government services, and live a peaceful life with their families.
Meanwhile, the creation of the integrated territorial defense system (ITDS) in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, a former NPA-influenced barangay in Negros Occidental, got the support of its officials, according to the 79th Infantry Battalion.
The establishment of the ITDS is among the strategies of the Philippine Army to counter the rebel remnants’ attempt to recruit new members and to pre-empt their terroristic activities.
During a recent dialog with barangay officials and residents, Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, 79IB commander, emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in sustaining peace efforts, especially in far-flung areas that need a stronger government presence.
Pinapugasan village chief Edgar Rapana welcomed the initiative and expressed full support on behalf of the residents. | GB
