BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A Yunit Militia member of the New People’s Army and 37 victims of New People’s Army exploitation, including eight minors, with ages 14 to 17 years old, in Brgy. Luz, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, a press statement from the 62nd Infantry Battalion yesterday said.
The surrender of a rebel militiaman and 37 others was facilitated by the Guihulngan City Task Force ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict), 62IB and the city police force on February 18.
Each of the 37 NPA victims of exploitation received P3,000 and P5,000 for the rebel militiaman, whose identities are being withheld by the 62IB for security reasons.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer 1 Gianne Marie Mijares, assisted by Maridel Gamo of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Maj. Alenel Valles,62IB Executive Officer, and PLt. Jerome Delara, led the distribution of P116,000 financial assistance to the beneficiaries in Guihulngan City.
The distribution of financial assistance, according to the 62IB, was highlighted by the taking of oath of allegiance to the government by the 30 beneficiaries.
Ka Egcel, in behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Guihulngan Ciity government, 62IB, DSWD for the financial assistance.
On the other hand, Valles called on them to encourage their friends and family members, who are still fighting against the government, to abandon the armed struggle, as the government is ready to help them.*
