The Negros Occidental provincial government has released P638,000 in livelihood and financial assistance to 67 rebel returnees, who have surrendered to the military and renounced the armed struggle in Negros Occidental, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said yesterday.
This developed as 12 more ex-rebels, who were presented yesterday by Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, to Marañon, also availed of P76,000 in livelihood and financial assistance, in a ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.
Marañon lauded the decision of the 12 former rebels to live normal lives with their families, stressing that the solution to poverty is not through the use of violence and arms. “If you have any problem, do not hesitate to relay them to us, as we will be happy to help you,” he stressed.
Lactao said he will also coordinate with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process for the rebel returnees in Negros Occidental to avail of similar assistance.
Mark Caban, a former finance and logistics officer of Platoon 1 of the South East Front, in his testimony, said his affiliation to the rebel movement only brought misery to him and his family.
“There is no future in armed struggle,” Caban said.
He said that only their leaders are enjoying luxurious lives, while they remain poor.
Rebel returnee John Rey Bucu of Sipalay City also urged his former comrades, who are still in the mountains, to reassess their plight.
Lactao said he is hoping that more rebels will heed the call to abandon the armed struggle.*GPB back
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