The provincial government of Negros Oriental through Governor Roel Degamo yesterday turned over cash assistance of P3,000 each to 24 more rebel returnees to help them rebuild their lives at the Capitol, in the presence of civilian and military officials.

The rebel returnees, who had gone through validation and processing by the provincial office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, were identified as Langie Desmoparan, Romy Banawa, Bartolome Quita, Danny Potane, Jorgie Quitay, Marcelo Gallardo, Alfredo Recla, Junny Dacal Dacal, Jarvie Edano, Marilou Angcon, Genie Labrador, Jessie Ragay, Pedro Candilaza, Rocelyn Namoco, Joan Gajelloma, Joel Gajelloma, Rosalina Delos Santos, Wyne Alegre, Arnel Aplicador, Jess Potane, Lodie Espadilla, Lovie Espadilla, Rey Sayson and Federico Inoferio.

Six others, Benmar Gutib, Sanny Boy Sinda, Ramil Cadelina, Romnick Dacal Dacal, Jory and Maribeth Lascuna, also received P3,000 each from the provincial government on May 7.

The financial assistance is part of the government efforts to help former members of the New People’s Army start their lives afresh after staying in the underground movement.

Present at the turnover ceremony were Lt. Col. Christopher Estella, deputy commander of the 302nd Brigade of the Philippine Army, provincial DSWD chief Alice Legarde, Supt. Reynold Andot representing OIC provincial police director, Supt. Mariano Natuel Jr., Lt. Col. Harry Pascua of the 79th IB, and Lt. Col. Miguel Ceballos of the 20th IB.

Degamo has repeatedly assured continuous support to efforts to attain lasting peace in the province, especially since Negros Oriental has been declared “conflict manageable and development ready” in terms of the insurgency problem.*JFP