15 ex-NPA rebels get cash aid, food packs in Kabankalan

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Fifteen former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received some basic commodities, while some of them received cash assistance from the government in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.

The Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB), along with the local government through the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) facilitated the distribution of the assistance to the former rebels at the Alpha Company Headquarters in Barangay Camingawan.

Four of them received P10,000 each as part of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program, while all 15 of them received food packs which contain basic commodities such as rice, canned goods, and noodles.

In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Van Donald Almonte, 94th IB commander, stressed the importance of providing assistance to the 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,” Almonte said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Benjie Miranda expressed his gratitude to the 94th IB for their support in their efforts to promote peace and development in the city.

Miranda is hoping that the assistance will help the former rebels in their transition to civilian life and provide them to start anew.