Samar Provincial Government Provides Financial Aid to Former Rebels

CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR – The provincial government of Samar distributed PHP2.93 million in cash assistance to former rebels on Friday, under its Local Social Integration Program (LSIP). This initiative is part of the government’s effort to support the reintegration of former insurgents into society.

According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the event held at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, the financial assistance aims to encourage more rebels to surrender and reintegrate into the community. The beneficiaries included 23 former members of the New People’s Army, six former Militia ng Bayan members, and three former mass supporters. The LSIP package provided PHP25,000 in immediate assistance, PHP50,000 for livelihood assistance, and PHP25,000 for each firearm surrendered to each former New People’s Army member. Former Militia ng Bayan members received PHP10,000 in immediate assistance and PHP25,000 for every firearm surrendered. Mass supporters were entitled to PHP1,000 each in financial assistance. These LSIP benefits are in addition to other assistance provided through the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.