Former NPA Rebels Receive Initial Cash Assistance

Former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sarangani Province, who were reintegrated into the mainstream society, received an initial amount of P20,000 as immediate cash assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) under its Social Integration Program (SIP) today, March 26, 2010 at Sarangani Provincial Capitol. Governor Miguel Rene A. Dominguez personally handed over the cash assistance to the returnees who are now called Kauban sa Reporma (KR). Aside from the initial cash assistance, the release of socio-economic package worth P50,000 each and rewards for their surrendered firearms worth ranging from P10,000 to P60,000 each are being facilitated by OPAPP. As a complete package, each KR could receive a total of P100,000 worth of assistance.

A total of eleven (11) rebel returnees in Sarangani received the SIP. The Social Integration Program (SIP) is a government enhanced program launched to increase the economic and livelihood benefits of NPA rebels who would return to the folds of the law.

The KR’s underwent a 5-day values formation and reorientation seminar designed by OPAPP as part of a process to reintegrate them into the mainstream society and start a new life. The awarding of economic package has restored hope to the former rebels whose life was ruined by Communists teachings.

Dante Tiwado alias Garry, 19 years old, the youngest among the rebel returnees, voluntarily surrendered to 73^rd Infantry Battalion on Aug 04, 2009 bringing along with him an armalite (M16) rifle with two magazines and one rifle grenade. According to him, the rifle was trusted to him by NPA leader Comdr Brigol. He turned himself in for he can no longer bear the difficulties of constantly running away and playing hide and seek with authorities.

“The government is sincere in its offer of economic assistance to rebels who voluntary surrender with their firearms. We are calling upon the colleagues of Garry to follow and take this opportunity to enjoy the life of a free man”, said 73IB Commander LTC Edgardo Y De Leon.