CABANATUAN CITY – Former supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay San Jose in Licab, Nueva Ecija have been extended government livelihood assistance to help make them productive members of society.
The assistance was given them through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion (84IB), and the Licab town local government unit.
The former NPA supporters belonging to the Communist Affiliated Mass Organization (CAMO). They are now under the Bagong Pag-asa Farmers Association, a pro-government and registered People’s Organization (PO). They were awarded mushroom production livelihood starter kits.
Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, commanding officer of the 84IB, said the livelihood kit consists of one unit shredder machine, one unit repacking machine, four pieces of drums, three dozens of plastic bags, three kilos of rubber bands, 1,000 pieces of fruiting bags, and 18 pieces of PVC pipes.
“Let us enrich and strengthen our organization. There are many challenges you are going to face because you have business at this time. We, in the Philippine Army, are praying for the success of your endeavor. Hopefully, this could help for your future),” Ileto told the former NPA supporters.
Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, commended the 84IB and the local government of Licab for its accomplishment. “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Licab lGU for the utmost support to our troops and to the former CTG supporters. We are here to embrace you as you start a new and peaceful life, we are glad to help you as you start your new journey with the government,” Costelo said.
The former rebels withdrew their support from the CTG on Aug. 8, 2020, and pledged to support the government in its peace and development initiatives.
Barangay San Jose is also a beneficiary of the Support to Barangay Development Program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
