Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson wants the new 303rd Infantry Brigade commander to work at making Negros Occidental more peaceful than it is now.
Col. Orlando Edralin recently paid a courtesy call on Lacson at the Capitol in Bacolod City.
“I just wished him well and when the time comes that he has to leave, my hope is that our province will even be more peaceful than it is right now,” Lacson said.
Meanwhile, 25 former rebels received P10,000 each in financial assistance in Himamaylan City on Tuesday, February 14.
The implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the Himamaylan City government intends to provide immediate support to the families affected by the local armed conflict who are displaced from their homes, the Army said.
The former rebels received P10,000 each as capital to start small businesses to sustain their daily needs while their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits are being processed, it said.
Through its Social Welfare and Development Office, the Himamaylan City government and the City TF-ELCAC also distributed hygiene kits, family kits, and sleeping and kitchen kits to the 25 former rebels.
Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Tongson Jr joined the activity.
The financial assistance extended is proof that the Himamaylan City government is sincere in its commitment to allow former rebels to start anew, reintegrate with the community, live normal lives again and be united with their families and love ones, Edralin said.
He urged the former rebels to help convince the remaining New People’s Army rebels to return to the folds of the law.*