FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Ten Former Rebels (FRs) received 20,000.00 each as part of their livelihood assistance during the awarding ceremony led by Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando held at Capitol Gym, Malolos City, Bulacan on April 24.
Said ceremony was attended by the soldiers of the 70th Infantry (Matapat at Matatag) Battalion, Philippine Army led by Lt. Col. Ronnel Dela Cruz along with representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Local Government Unit of Bulacan.
Governor Fernando, in his message, thanked the Army for their invaluable support on the programs intended for FRs that would help them rebuild their lives and live a peaceful life together with their families.
“Pinapasalamatan natin ang ating kasundaluhan katuwang ang iba’t ibang ahensiya sa kanilang pagbibigay ng halaga sa kapakanan ng mga dating rebeldeng bumalik na sa ating pamahalaan. Magagamit ng mga dating rebelde ang benepisyong ipinagkaloob ng gobyerno upang sila ay makabangon muli at mamuhay nang payapa,” Governor Fernando said.
Lt. Col. Dela Cruz, on the other hand, assured their support to the Bulacan LGU in their programs and initiatives that benefit the FRs. He also encouraged the FRs to convince their former comrades to return to the folds of the law and be an advocate of peace and development.
Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army expressed his gratitude to the Bulacan LGU and DSWD for their continued support and commitment to help the FRs rebuild their lives.
“We value the support of the LGU to the peace and development programs as it is vital to its success, especially at the grassroots level. That is why we are encouraging the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group to return to the folds of the law and start living a peaceful life,” Maj. Gen. Costelo said.
