DOLE grants P1.1M to former rebels

Eighty-nine members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the 56th Infantry Battalion on 28 May in Davao del Norte.

During a ceremony held Thursday, the former rebels turned over their firearms to military and local government officials.

Army Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, stated, “This collective return to the fold of the law is a clear manifestation that the people have grown tired of the false promises of the communist terrorist group.”

"With the support of the government and our partner agencies, we remain committed to helping our former rebels start anew and build better, peaceful lives," Hambala added.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the region awarded a ₱1.1 million livelihood package to the former rebels through the Integrated Livelihood Program. Beneficiary groups include the Ata-Manobo Former Rebels Association, the Salawao Developmental Workers Association, and the Tatag IP Parents-Scholars Association.