THE Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte has given cash assistance to five former New People's Army (NPA) rebels who surrendered to military in the province.
Each of the five former NPA rebels received P20,000, or for a total of P100,000, which was released Saturday, September 14, as part of the Provincial Government's peace initiatives.
Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Uy, who handed over the cash assistance, said it will enable the beneficiaries to fully reintegrate to the society and live peaceful and normal life.
The five NPA rebels surrendered on September 10 to the Army's 97th Infantry Battalion in Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte.
They turned over eight anti-tank improvised explosives, one Browning Automatic Rifle and one caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle.
Lieutenant Colonel John Andrada, Army's 97th Infantry Battalion commander, said each of them is also entitled to receive financial assistance from the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program fund.
Andrada said they will also receive cash remunerations based on the firearms
they have surrendered.
Major General Roberto Ancan, Army's 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded Uy and the Provincial Government for the cash aid given to the rebel returnees.
Ancan said it will entice more rebels to surrender, hoping that other provinces will replicate such kind of initiative. (SunStar Philippines)