BACOLOD CITY: A total of 19 former rebels who surrendered to the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) on Thursday received a total of P570,000 in financial assistance from the government.
Each of the 19 former rebels, 17 from Himamaylan City and two from Kabankalan City, got P30,000 each.
The financial assistance was sourced from the Provincial Peace and Order Fund, in support of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz led the distribution of financial assistance at the Ayala Activity Center in Bacolod City where the former rebels are also being taught bamboo weaving, in line with the ongoing 1st Bamboo Fair, which was also witnessed by Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental also turned over P269,450 worth of construction materials for the repairs of its military outpost in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
A total of 27 former rebel members received financial and educational assistance from the local government unit of Himamaylan on September 27 at Himamaylan City Ground.
Mayor Raymond Tongson led city officials in the distribution of P10,000 financial assistance, food packs, relief supplies, hygiene, sleeping, kitchen and family kits to 17 former rebels.
Ten others each received P5,000 educational assistance.
Tongson said he and members of the Himamaylan City Council are trying their best to extend their services to hinterland communities such as delivery infrastructure projects, such as road construction, water and electrical system installations.