TANJAY, Negros Oriental – Two former New People’s Army (NPA) fighters, received livelihood assistance from the government after returning to the folds of the law, a military report said.
The unnamed returnees were rewarded the amount of P50,000.00 each as start up capital for any income-generating activities that will sustain their respective family members.
The financial assistance was taken from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) through the Ad Hoc Committee for rebel returnees. Ms. Alicia Legarde of Negros Oriental Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office facilitated the release of funds for the said returnees.
Records show that there were 20 former rebels who are recipients of livelihood assistance as part of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) since July 2012.
The amount will ensure their successful integration to the community where they belonged. As part of the government's program they will undergo skills training seminar soon.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Guns for Peace Program offers cash incentive to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who returns to the mainstream society with their firearms.
The amount of cash incentive depends on the type of firearms surrendered as follows: Php 200,000.00 for light machine guns; Php 50,000.00 for M16 rifles; Php 60,000.00 for M14 rifle; and Php 40,000.00 for M203 Grenade Launchers.
A local military commander said that the attainment of lasting peace and progress is not far-fetched.
"It indicates that winning the peace through whole of nation approach of the IPSP Bayanihan is working. We want those who are still hiding in the mountains to abandon the senseless armed struggle and culture of violence," he said.
"It indicates that winning the peace through whole of nation approach of the IPSP Bayanihan is working. We want those who are still hiding in the mountains to abandon the senseless armed struggle and culture of violence," he said.
There is an increasing trend of members of the communist armed group returning to the mainstream society after realizing that they were manipulated by their superiors in order to fight for a futile cause.
More and more people are openly denouncing the NPA for its oppressive extortion activities in the communities.
No comments:
Post a Comment