After yielding in November 2023, some 27 rebel returnees recently received some love and support from the Himamaylan City government, together with the Philippine Army, through financial and educational assistance distributed on Valentine’s Day.
The aid beneficiaries are New People’s Army (NPA) fighters and some of its Yunit Militia members who pledged allegiance to the Philippine government on November 17, 2023, a press release from Himamaylan PIO said.
“This assistance from the city government will help the former rebels return to their communities,” Himamaylan Mayor Raymund Tongson said.
Tongson also joined the leaders of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) in urging the remaining communist rebels in Negros Island to surrender.
“The 27 returnees who received these benefits from the government is a sign that the Himamaylan City LGU is ready to assist on their path to reintegration,” Tongson said.
On top of the financial assistance, the City Social Welfare and Development Office also prepared some groceries and goods for the rebel returnees.
Tongson thanked and commended 303 Infantry Brigade Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Victor Llapitan, 94IB Commander LtCol. Van Donald Almonte, Philippine Air Force representatives SSg. Dave Gumban, Sg. Mark Elovera, and Cpl. Victor Movillion, Jr. of the 2nd Negros Occidental Police Mobile Force Company.
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to the Himamaylan Deputy Police Chief Capt. Arturo Margallo, Jr. and CSWD Officer Ever Grace Castro for assisting the Philippine Army in facilitating former rebels return to the folds of the law.*
