AID FOR EX-REBELS. Former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) who surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion last July will receive PHP20,000 in financial assistance each from the local government of Tubungan, Iloilo. Tubungan Mayor Roquito Tacsagon (2nd from left) on Tuesday (Sept. 17, 2019) said the rebel returnees will also receive livelihood training from the Public Employment Service Office. (Photo courtesy of Army's 61IB)
ILOILO CITY -- Two former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) will each receive financial assistance of PHP20,000 from the local government of Tubungan, Iloilo.
Alias “Aguila”, 51, from Calinog; and alias “Baby”, 33, of Tubungan returned to the government fold last July.
"Aguila" had served as a team leader of the CPP-NPA’s Special Partisan Unit (SPARU), Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay and had stayed with the rebel movement for about 30 years. "Baby", meanwhile, was a political guide and medical officer of Squad 2, Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay for five years.
"Aguila" yielded a Colt Rifle; a cap magazine of 5.56mm; five rounds of live ammunition of 5.56mm, and a vintage rifle with 10 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, while "Baby" yielded a US Springfield 30 caliber rifle; 18 rounds of live ammunition for 30 caliber; a 38 caliber pistol; six rounds of live ammunition; three rounds of empty shell of 40mm, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
In a phone interview Tuesday, Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 61st IB, said the local government unit has shown its support for the rebel returnees. “This is the result of our coordination (with) local government chief executives,” Batara said.
He said the PHP20,000 financial assistance will be received by the two former rebels on top of the benefits they can avail of through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).
The financial assistance from Tubungan town will be helpful to the former rebels while they are still “in the process” of availing of the E-Clip, he added.
Tubungan Mayor Roquito Tacsagon said Tuesday that aside from the financial assistance, the rebel returnees will also undergo livelihood training, which will be facilitated by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
“Tubungan has responded well (to) our thrust. The municipal mayor knows well that Tubungan town is an influence area of the NPA and this program will persuade (rebels to surrender), to promote peace, and will prevent recruitment of the rebel group,” he said.
Batara said more rebels are expected to voluntarily surrender as the Army is undertaking its Community Support Program, with the overwhelming support of concerned agencies and the community. (PNA)
