103 ex-rebels, NPA part-time members receive P5.35M aid in Samar

At least 103 former New People’s Army (NPA) members and part-time supporters received a total of P5.354 million in financial assistance under the government’s Local Social Integration Program (LSIP). INQUIRER FILES TACLOBAN CITY — At least 103 former New People’s Army (NPA) members and part-time supporters received a total of P5.354 million in financial assistance under the government’s Local Social Integration Program (LSIP). Collectively referred to as “peacebuilders,” the beneficiaries, included former NPA regulars, members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) or People’s Militia, and those affiliated with the Batakang Organisasyong Pampartido (BOP), or Basic Party Organization—a term used for part-time members of the communist insurgency — the 8th Infantry Division(ID), based in Catbalogan City, Samar said in a report released on Sunday. The financial assistance was distributed at a ceremony on July 23 in Catbalogan City through a joint effort by the Samar provincial government, the 8th ID and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Army hopes more NPA rebels join ex-comrades in seeking amnesty The beneficiaries came from the municipalities of Calbiga, Pinabacdao, Basey, Villareal, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan and Paranas in Samar, as well as Borongan City in Eastern Samar and Las Navas in Northern Samar. Of the 103 beneficiaries, 46 were former regular NPA members, while 57 were former MB and BOP members. The assistance consisted of transition support, livelihood assistance, and firearm remuneration for beneficiaries who surrendered weapons. One beneficiary, alias “Max,” a former platoon leader of the Bugsok Platoon of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, received P425,000 in assistance. Article continues after this advertisement He expressed gratitude to the government and urged his former comrades who remain in the armed struggle to surrender and pursue a peaceful life through the government’s reintegration programs. “Return to the fold of the law because the government is providing assistance to help you build a peaceful and stable life, free from conflict and family troubles. Come down from the mountains so you can also receive help,” Max said. Article continues after this advertisement READ: PNP chief gives P100,000 cash aid to 8 ex-rebels in Sorsogon Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. Niceforo Diaz Jr. urged the beneficiaries to use the financial assistance wisely by investing in their families, livelihood ventures and community organizations. “My challenge to you is to use this assistance properly. Invest in your families and businesses and actively participate in your people’s organizations and barangays. Let us prove that peace is more prosperous than violence,” Diaz said. Diaz noted that the distribution of financial assistance should not be viewed as the end of government support but as the beginning of continued assistance to former rebels as part of efforts to promote lasting peace and sustainable development. The 8th ID assistant commander also renewed the call for remaining NPA members to lay down their arms, abandon armed struggle and return to the peaceful path. The LSIP is among the government’s peace and reintegration initiatives aimed at helping former members of communist insurgent groups transition back into civilian life. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. Assistance may include financial support, livelihood opportunities, and other forms of government intervention intended to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities./coa