IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay Province - Five former rebels received financial assistance from Zamboanga del Norte - Provincial Government Office, Tuesday afternoon, February 22, 2022.
The PGO through Hon. Roberto Uy, ZDN Provincial Governor released PhP20,000.00 each to five former rebels as initial cash assistance under the Governor's localized program for former rebels.
The financial assistance is over and above the assistance given to former rebels under the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program which is comprised of PhP50,000.00 livelihood assistance and PhP15,000.00 immediate cash assistance, totalling to PhP65,000.00.
Two former rebels, namely, Ellen Gumabat and Elbert Sumasay, are former members of the defunct Guerilla Front-Feliciano Alpha surrendered through the efforts of the Philippine Air Force.
Meanwhile, Alias Badong, Celing and Medy of Guerilla Front-BBC, the three rescued wounded former Communist NPA Terrorists after a clash with government forces last December 17, 2021, were also given with the same financial assistance by the provincial government.
Celing thanked the provincial government for the assistance she received and the army for the new life she and her comrades are enjoying today.
"Daku among pasalamat sa gobiyerno sa paghatag namo ug bag-ong kinabuhi ug sa mga hinabang karun, labi na ang pagpatambal sa amo sa kasundaluhan kaniadtong nasamdan ug gibiyaan mi sa amo mga kauban human mi ma-engkwentro (We are thankful to the government for the new life and the assistance today, especially with the medical assistance provided by the soldiers when we were wounded and abandoned by our comrades after a firefight)," Celing said.
"Giawhag namu ang uban pang mga barangay officials na magtinabangay ta sa pakigbisog kontra sa armadong kalihukan para makab-ot nato ang kalambuan na atong gipangandoy (We urge other barangay officials to unite with us in ending the armed struggle in order for us to attain our goal for peace and progress)," Celing added.
The selected barangay officials present are the chieftains of the barangays most frequented by the remaining weakend guerilla front BBC operating in the hinterlands of Sergio Osmeña, Polanco, Katipunan, Roxas, Manukan, Jose Dalman and Mutia; all of Zamboanga del Norte. (RVC/EDT/PIA Zamboanga del Norte)
