By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed PHP360,000 in livelihood assistance to 18 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday.
Each former rebel received PHP20,000 in financial assistance through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) during a ceremonial distribution at the Guihulngan Satellite Skills Development Center in Barangay Poblacion.
The financial aid will be used to purchase livestock, providing the rebel returnees with a stable source of income to support their livelihoods.
The recipients had previously surrendered to the Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (GCTF-ELCAC) and the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB).
According to the 62nd IB, this initiative is part of the government’s efforts to help former rebels rebuild their lives under Executive Order No. 70, which enforces a “whole-of-nation approach” to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace.
The 62nd IB also pledged continued support for government programs aimed at sustaining peace and development in Central Negros.
