BALER, Aurora (PIA) -- A people's organization composed of former rebels recently received P50,000 in livelihood assistance from the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry Battalion (91st IB) and the municipal government of San Luis in Aurora.

The Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Sitio Camalatan (SMSC) was chosen to become a recipient of the package under the Bigasang Bayan project.

91st IB Commander Lt. Col. Julito Recto Jr. said they remain committed to assist and support the reintegration of former rebels in Aurora to mainstream society.

"We will continually assist them so that the Bigasang Bayan project becomes stable and resilient against any influence from communist terrorist groups,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ariel de Jesus expressed his gratitude to the 91st IB for assisting the returnees.

“Thank you for helping SMSC. I hope that through sound management, their business will become successful,” the local chief executive furthered.

Aside from the Bigasang Bayan project, the government provides other aid under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program wherein returnees and their families are given a wide array of benefits to help them start anew as they are reintegrated to mainstream society. 

These include scholarships, training and employment. (CLJD/MAT-PIA 3)