Prov’l gov’t to expand aid for ex-rebel communities

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson committed to provide more assistance to members of Kapitaran.

This was revealed during the meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Site Coordinating Team today that the governor presided over.

Lacson said the provincial government is trying to expand the assistance it is extending to Kapatiran, an organization of former rebels. Kapatiran Para sa Progresong Panlipunan Inc. (KAPATIRAN) is composed of former members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPM/P-RPA/ABB-TPG) who signed a peace agreement with the national government.

The governor said the group is receiving assistance from the national and provincial government in the form of agricultural assistance. But, he said that these people are former rebels, not farmers.

“We will see how we can improve that,” he said, adding that “one way is to address the need to the next generation, their education and also health. ”

He said the provincial government will introduce the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP), a health insurance for indigents.

Some of their children have availed of our scholarships but “very minimal… However, if they are diligent in their school we will help them when they go to college.”

Meanwhile, Lacson said the site coordinating meeting is aimed to ensure compliance with the peace agreement with KAPATIRAN and “reach finality.”

“We are working on the final piece of the resolution with Kapatiran,” Lacson said, adding that the meeting focused on “what have been done so far and how to improve it.”

Under the peace agreement between Kapatiran and the national government, the group has three Peace and Development Communities in Negros Occidental, located in Barangay Locotan in Kabankalan City, Barangay Bagonbon in San Carlos City, and Barangay Celestino Villacin in Cadiz City.* (EYA)