A total 473 demobilized former combatants of the now-defunct Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) were each provided P50,000 in livelihood assistance through through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Carlito Galvez, the government’s chief adviser on the peace process, said the assistance is a commitment by President Rodrigo Duterte to the reformed insurgents.
He led the distribution of funds last Friday in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
A total of P23,650,000 in cash was distributed to former members of the RPA-ABB, who now go by the name Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Panlipunan (Kapatiran). Meanwhile, in addition to the P50,000 incentive, members of the now-defunct RPA-ABB Tabara Paduano Group were earlier provided with P25,000 each in financial assistance.
Galvez added, former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered to the government are also receiving a similar amount, while those of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will each receive P100,000.
Meanwhile, Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, characterized the government’s actions as “a clear manifestation that our government is sincere in its commitment to the peace agreement.”
The disposition of firearms and demobilization of Kapatiran members are also part of the agreement, referring to the clarificatory implementing document, which was signed by the group and the Philippine government.
Approximately 300 Kapatiran members have also been employed as forest rangers by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Galvez noted./DGB, WDJ