BACOLOD City – The provincial government in Negros Occidental extended financial aids to nine reformed members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The former NPA fighters received P65,000 each from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. They previously surrendered to the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion.
“This shows the sincerity of the government in fulfilling its promise to allow the rebels to start anew and live normal lives again,” said Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo.
Aside from financial assistance, the reformed insurgents also received food packs from the Negros Occidental Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program health cards.
The assistance program is part of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
It was instituted by President Rodrigo Duterte geared towards surrendered enemy combatants. (With a report from 303IB /PN)
