THE Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government has provided livelihood cash assistance to four former communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels to enable them to put up a small business and start a new life.

Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu said the recipients are former NPA rebels who surrendered to the Army's 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion (IB).

Yu said each of the four received P20,000 livelihood assistance or for a total of P80,000, which were distributed to the recipients in a ceremony Tuesday, December 29, at the Executive Function Hall, Capitol Complex, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Yu said the cash assistance was sourced out from the funds of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

"It [cash assistance] aims to aid the former rebels in their transition back to the mainstream society," Yu added.

He encouraged those who are still in the hinterlands to avail themselves of the same privilege, as well as of the other government programs and services.

The governor advised the recipients to put to good use the cash assistance given to them.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Yu for the support given to his command, especially in the campaign to convince the remaining NPAs in the province to peacefully surrender. (SunStar Zamboanga)