17 ex- rebels in Capiz get cash aid

ILOILO City – Former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Capiz Province received financial assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) program.

The distribution of aid to 17 former rebels was held at the Capiz Provincial Office.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta, commander of the 12th Infantry Battalion, a total of P862,000 in cash was distributed.

Garsuta said this aims to help former rebels reintegrate into the community.

“Ang mga recipients were former rebels who surrendered f rom 2022 to 2023. Hindi pareho ang cash na natanggap nil aka side pen de sa assessment. Pero nagarange from P15,000 to P21,000,” he added.

Garsuta thanked the provincial government of Capiz, under the leadership of Gov. Fredenil Castro, Cherryl Tacda of the Provincial Interior and Local Government, and other local government agencies for their active participation in the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict program that implements the E-CLIP.

Garsuta is calling on the remaining rebels who continue to fight the armed struggle to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s livelihood program.

“I’m calling them to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society. Marami na natutulongan ang ating pamahalaan na mga rebelde na nag- surrender,” Garsuta added.

Castro, on his part , welcomed the former rebels as he conveyed his gladness over their decision to surrender and embrace a peaceful and productive life again./