ILOILO – The momentum of rebel surrender in Iloilo Province continues to accelerate, with five more former New People’s Army (NPA) members — two women and three men — formally returning to government fold and receiving livelihood aid at the provincial capitol.
The group, all indigenous residents of Igbaras, Tubungan, and Lemery towns, had been active in the communist movement for seven to 10 years before deciding to abandon the armed struggle and surrender to the Philippine Army.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 Project Development Officer Anthony Laruan, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) acting head Rani Melvi Cuarte, and Army representatives led the turnover of assistance to support the former rebels’ transition to civilian life on December 1.
Banias said each received P15,000 in Livelihood Settlement Grants under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.
He emphasized that the growing number of surrenderees reflects the progress of the provincial government’s peace campaign.
“Our effort to end local conflict is gaining traction. Last week a rebel surrendered and yesterday 5 more rebels surrendered to the Philippine Army. Our DSWD and PSWDO facilitated the release of cash assistance for their livelihood programs and for their reintegration,” Banias said.
The two female former rebels have also expressed interest in continuing their education. Banias said the provincial government has committed to helping them access Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s new scholarship program for former rebels./PN
