Seven former NPA members receive P70,000 aid

Mayor Felomino Reyes (left) engages with seven former NPA rebels during the cash aid distribution in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of the 62nd Infantry Battalion)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – Seven ex-members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, received P70,000 in financial aid last Thursday.

Each individual was granted P10,000 through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) from the Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (GCTF-ELCAC).

These returnees surrendered to the GCTF-ELCAC, the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion, and the Guihulngan City Police Station on December 27, 2023.

Guihulngan City Mayor Felomino Reyes, chairperson of GCTF-ELCAC, stated, “You are not comrades of the NPA; you have been their victims. We are not happy that you suffered this fate, but I am here to help you, as I am the paternal figure of Guihulngan City.”

He reassured that the government would extend support to those who surrender. “There are many jobs and opportunities awaiting you in Guihulngan City,” he said.