OPAPRU to give financial aid to ex-communist rebels
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) will give financial support to former members of rebel groups following talks led by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.
In a statement Sunday, OPAPRU said Galvez led a dialogue with 44 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) from Regions 10, 11, 12, and 13.
Under the Sustainable Livelihood Program, eight people's organizations (POs) will receive P500,000 each to fund various livelihood projects in their communities.
Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Floirendo Lagdameo, Jr. also pledged to distribute P2 million worth of financial assistance to four other POs.
'We know the challenges all of you had to face as a result of your decision to turn away from armed struggle and return to the folds of the law. Rest assured that we will help to rebuild your lives and create a better future for yourselves and your families,' Galvez said.
Galvez also led the turnover of safe conduct passes to four former rebel group members.
The safe conduct passes will ensure their safety and security, as they can attend to their amnesty applications without fear of being arrested.
'With these safe conduct passes, you no longer have to look over your shoulder whenever you leave your homes. You can now focus on your most important task, which is processing your amnesty applications,' Galvez said.
'As we have emphasized, amnesty is the best policy. With the granting of amnesty, you will be able to rebuild your lives, complete your transformation, and create a better future for yourselves and your families,' he added. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
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