Five rebels surrender in Negros Oriental

By Rachelle M. Nessia

Tuesday 26th of June 2012

DUMAGUETE CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- Five more members of the New People’s Army (NPA) returned to the fold of law in Negros Oriental after the national government stepped up measures to achieve peace in the countryside.

The rebel returnees each received cash assistance amounting to P55,000 from the national government, which Gov. Roel Degamo personally handed to the them in his office early this month.

The financial aid turnover ceremony was witnessed by members of the adhoc committee for rebel returnees led by 302nd Brigade Commander Col. Francisco Patrimonio and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alice Lagarde.

Of the total, P5,000 is given as emergency assistance and P50,000 as livelihood assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP).

The returnees are from the hinterland areas of Zamboanguita, Siaton, and Sta. Catalina towns, said Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo.

Sedillo said the five rebel returnees underwent a socio-economing training to help them prepare for their return to mainstream society.

“Some of them said they plan to buy a motorcycle to start a habal-habal business, one plans to become an auto mechanic, while others will go into farming,” said Sedillo.

Gov. Degamo said he is pleased to see more rebels giving up their armed struggle after seeing the government’s sincerity in achieving peace.

For as long as there are rebel groups, poverty in the hinterlands and remote areas will prevail, he said.

The governor called on those who remain in the underground movement to cooperate with the government’s efforts for unity and peace.

In April this year, five rebels also surrendered to the 79th Infantry Battalion based in Siaton town. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)