74 ex-rebels from Samar get P3.4M in financial aid
INQUIRER FILES
TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Samar, through its Local Social Integration Program (LSIP), distributed P3.4 million in financial assistance to 74 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as part of its efforts to promote peace and development in the province.
The LSIP is a provincial initiative that provides cash assistance and reintegration services to former members of communist terrorist groups, helping them transition to a peaceful and productive life.
Under the program, each rehabilitated NPA receives P100,000 with P25,000 as their immediate aid, P50,000 for livelihood support, and P25,000 for surrendered firearms.
Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, who led the cash distribution on Feb. 12 commended the former rebels for choosing to return to the fold of the law.
“I would like to thank everyone for your decision to reintegrate into society and cooperate with the government,” she said.
Article continues after this advertisementTan also emphasized the role of infrastructure projects in addressing the root causes of insurgency.
Article continues after this advertisement“Just the other day, the three provinces of Samar Island met to finalize plans for the tri-boundary road projects. These roads are a testament to our commitment to ensuring just and lasting peace,” Tan said.
The governor was referring to a meeting with Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan and Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone on Tuesday, Feb. 11 where they agreed to construct roads and bridges connecting the three Samar provinces.
By improving infrastructure, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas, the government aims to weaken and ultimately eradicate the insurgency that has plagued Samar Island for decades.
Authorities continue to encourage active members of communist terrorist groups to surrender and avail themselves of the reintegration benefits, reinforcing efforts to establish long-term peace and development in the region.
Meanwhile, 19 former NPA members surrendered before the 20th Infantry Battalion (IB) camp in Barangay San Jorge, Las Navas on Feb. 13 to avail of the national amnesty program.
Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, commanding officer of the 20th IB, witnessed the event with the former NPA rebels taking their oath of allegiance to the government.
Villaflor said the surrender of these former rebels indicates a positive step towards achieving peace and stability, not only in Northern Samar but the entire Eastern Visayas.
