FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — A total of 26 rebel returnees in Nueva Ecija received assistance from the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Each returnee was awarded with a check amounting to PhP15,000 during a ceremony led by Governor Aurelio Umali, Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Renato Bernardino and officials from the security forces.
“This is our way of urging rebels to surrender and return to the folds of the government,” Bernardino said.
For his part, Umali reiterated his support to the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.
“The provincial government will be providing the necessary assistance to the former rebels in order for them to completely integrate themselves and live normally in mainstream society,” he assured.
In a statement, 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard Agustin renewed his call for other rebels to surrender.
“We are deeply encouraging every rebel to return to the folds of the government and peacefully embrace a new and normal life,” he stressed.