29 ex-rebels, residents in Caraga get financial aid from gov't

BUTUAN CITY – Twenty-nine former combatants of the communist New People's Army (NPA) were provided with needed intervention from the government in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, on Thursday.

In a statement Friday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) said the former rebels received P10,000 cash each.

"The provision of financial assistance is aimed to support the integration of the former rebels back to their families and communities," the DSWD-13 said.

The assistance forms part of the continuing implementation of Executive Order No. 70 series of 2018, or the institutionalization of the whole-of-nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict.

The beneficiaries surrendered to the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion on separate occasions late last year and early this year.

DSWD-13 said it is also working with the other units of the Philippine Army in the region to continue providing support to former rebels.

In Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, 1,819 residents received P3,000 each under the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation during a two-day payout that ended Friday.

Of the total beneficiaries, 1,361 were from the municipality of Del Carmen, while the other 458 were from Burgos town.

More payout activities are scheduled next week, according to the local government. (PNA)