Thirty-seven former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received financial assistance from the government, in a program to help them reintegrate into society.

The former rebels, who have surrendered and pledged loyalty to the government, were given P10,000 pesos each, to help them start anew and rebuild their lives.

The financial aid was provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

The assistance is part of the government’s efforts to support former rebels, under the DSWD’s EO 70 Program, which aims to provide various programs and services to former rebels, their families, and households in insurgency-affected areas.

The program is in line with the government’s goal to ensure the convergence of efforts in providing support to former rebels and their families.

According to Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano, the government is committed to providing assistance to former rebels who have surrendered and are seeking to reintegrate into society.

“We recognize the difficulties faced by our former rebels, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary support to help them start anew,” he said.

The PSWDO, led by Ms. Rosalina Lamoca, worked closely with the former rebels to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance and support.

The agency’s staff provided their full attention to the former rebels, to ensure that they are endorsed to the DSWD and receive the financial aid.

The Philippine government has been engaged in a decades-long conflict with the NPA, which has resulted in the displacement of thousands of people and the loss of lives.

DSWD’s EO 70 Program is a major component of the government’s strategy to support former rebels and their families, and to promote social cohesion and community development in conflict-affected areas.