The Negros Occidental provincial government gave P1.26 million in cash assistance and 15 carabaos to 57 former rebels in a ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Building in Bacolod City on Monday, Dec. 18.
There were 42 members of the New People’s Army and 15 members of the Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Panlipunan (KAPATIRAN) who received assistance as they returned to the folds of the law.
The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) awarded P1.26M to 42 former members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) who surrendered to the 94th Infantry Battalion through the Local Task Force ELCAC.
They were former NPAs members of the Central Negros 2 (CN2)- Komiteng Rehiyon Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS), who surrendered between the last quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of this year.
Each of the 42 FRs received P30,000 in cash assistance.
The provincial government also distributed 15 carabaos to the KAPATIRAN members during the event.
BGen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they still encouraging more NPA members to surrender as the military is open to assist them.
“Providing financial assistance to the former rebels is just one of the many future endeavors of the local government, military, police, and all partner agencies and stakeholders as a holistic solution employing the whole-of-nation approach,” he said.*