• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Nineteen former rebels received assistance and support, from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the city government of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental.
Four of the 19 former members of the New People’s Army each received P10,000 financial assistance, which forms part of the DSWD Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, while 15 others got food packs which contained basic food commodities, such as rice and canned goods, among others.
The distribution of financial assistance and food packs on February 22 in Brgy. Camingawan, Kabankalan City, which was facilitated by the 94th Infantry Battalion and made possible through the efforts of the concerned local government unit, to ensure that the former rebels receive the necessary support they need.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, emphasized the importance of providing assistance to former rebels.
“As a partner for peace and development, we believe that the former rebels have a crucial role to play in building a peaceful and prosperous community. By providing them with the necessary support, we hope to encourage them to actively participate in the community and contribute to the progress of our society,” Almonte said.
Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda also lauded the efforts of the 94IB in facilitating the distribution of financial assistance to the former rebels.
Miranda said he is hoping financial assistance will help the former rebels in their transition to civilian life.
The distribution of financial assistance to the 15 former rebels is just one of the initiatives undertaken by the 94IB and the Kabankalan City LGU to promote peace and development in the community.*
