THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) handed over financial aid to some 27 former New People's Army (NPA) fighters in Bukidnon Thursday, January 3.
Some P135,000 worth of monetary assistance was released by the DSWD and given to the former communist rebels facilitated by the 8th Infantry Battalion.
"This is one of the programs of DSWD that will help former rebels aside from medical assistance and "Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan projects" under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip)," Bukidnon provincial team leader Marieta Dayata said.
The military said the former rebels who are regular members of the Sub-Regional Command 1 (SRC1) and Sub-Regional Command 2 (SRC2) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) and Militiang Bayan (MB) will receive P5, 000 in cash each.
"We are very thankful that our partner agencies are supporting and extending their program to reach-out for our former rebels. This shows that 8IB is very sincere in facilitating and we are ready to help our former rebels," 8IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana said.
"Once again we are calling to those who are still on the side of the CPP-NPA terrorist especially those who belong to SRC1 and SRC2 of NCMRC to lay down your arms and come back to the folds of the law and rest assured that your army will always be there to help and support you in changing your life," he added.
