The 16 former members of the New People’s Army Leonardo Panaligan Command, who surrendered to authorities on Sept. 20, have been assured of employment and livelihood opportunities by the city government of Guihulngan in Negros Oriental.
In a statement, Guihulngan City Mayor Filomeno Reyes, who also chairs the City Task Force ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict), lauded the decision of the 16 rebels to surrender and abandon the armed struggle.
“We are very grateful for your voluntary surrender, and we are working hand in hand for you to receive the benefits that will help you build your lives anew. We want nothing but to help and to ensure that you live a peaceful life,” Reyes said.
The mayor stressed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Police are in the countryside to maintain the peace, and prevent any war.
Stressing that they were victims of CPP-NPA false promises, Reyes said the children of the 16 former rebel combatants will no longer suffer the things they went through.
The mayor also enjoined them not to waste the opportunity given to them by the government, as he lauded their bravery in denouncing the armed struggle./GB
