The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process is finalizing the closure of the peace accord between the Rebolusyonaryong Proletarian-Amy/Alex Boncayao Brigade and the Philippine government, with a survey of a possible resettlement site for former rebels in Negros Oriental.

Col. Francisco Patrimonio, Philippine Army's 302nd Brigade commander, said a possible resettlement area is in the boundary of Sibulan, Amlan and Tanjay in the Second District of the province.

A public consultation, however, will be needed to determine if this is acceptable to local residents, Patrimonio added.

The inventory of firearms in possession of the RPA-ABB members is also ongoing as part of the closure process, so that when the agreement is signed, the firearms will also be surrendered.

There are 58 RPA/ABB members in the province, 53 of them possessing of various firearms and ammunitions, Patrimonio said.

He added that while compensation for the surrendered firearms is discouraged, the Brigade and the provincial government will make sure that financial assistance will be provided the former rebels.*JG

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