Ex-rebels, residents displaced by clashes receive aid in Negros

Former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and residents displaced by a recent armed encounter in Negros Occidental have received various forms of assistance from the government, according to reports of the Philippine Army.

In Kabankalan City, 10 former rebels were granted financial aid of P10,500 each as well as hygiene kits and relief supplies during the distribution rites held at the Alpha Company headquarters of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Barangay Camingawan on Tuesday.

The 94IB facilitated the turnover of assistance, which also included hygiene kits and relief supplies, provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO).

Mayor Benjie Miranda said he hopes the city government’s response will inspire those still in the armed struggle to follow the path of peace and progress.

“We welcome our former rebels back into the fold and we are committed to providing them with the necessary assistance as they reintegrate into our society,” he added.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of 94IB, thanked the partners and other stakeholders that made the assistance for the former rebels possible.

“We hope that this assistance will provide them with the means to start anew and contribute to the progress and development of our community,” he added.

In Escalante City, residents of Barangay Paitan who have been affected by a recent encounter between the communist rebels and troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion were given survival kits on Tuesday.

Some 92 families received food packs, hygiene kits and sleeping kits from the DSWD through the CSWDO.

On April 28, a total of 38 families in Barangay Binaguiohan and 57 families in Barangay Libertad were also provided food packs, hygiene kits and sleeping kits.

The clash in the area of Barangays Libertad and Binaguiohan on April 20 had led to the death of a rebel fighter and the wounding of two soldiers.* (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)