Twelve rebel returnees received yesterday P50,000 each as economic assistance, from Gov. Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental at the Capitol, as part of the peace initiatives of the government.

Arturo Umbac, co-chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Rebel Returnees, said this is also in line with Degamo’s vision for lasting peace in the province.

The former members of the New People’s Army have undergone capacity-building seminars and trainings to enable them to manage and sustain the livelihood assistance they received.

They were encouraged to concentrate on projects like piggery raising, buying a carabao for farming, or buying a trisikad unit, he added.

Umbac, meanwhile, said the papers for the remaining seven returnees are under processing, and after evaluation, they will also receive financial assistance from the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

He also urged concerned agencies to speed up the conclusion of peace agreements with the rebels, and the implementation of livelihood and development projects, as agreed upon in the accord.*JG

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