One hundred six rebel returnees and former supporters or sympathizers of the New Peoples Army (NPA) in Laguna received P20,000 each from the provincial government in a formal ceremony held Wednesday.

The financial assistance was part of the old Balik Loob Program (now the Social Integration program) that was promised them. They were also given rice, assorted goods and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) cards.

Undersecretary Pedro Ceasar Ramboanga of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) said that the original P12,500 financial assistance was increased by the provincial government.

Provincial Administrator Dennis Lazaro said the beneficiaries will also be trained for livelihood skills to make use of the cash grant. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office will monitor these livelihood programs.

The program also aims to integrate the former rebels to the rest of the community and for them to live a normal life together with their families.

Emma Acedillo, a former NPA supporter who is now a councilor in Kalayaan town said her trust in the government was restored in 2001 when she saw the good activities of the Philippine Army. She said going back to the government fold is not just for the money but for peace and economic improvement of the lives of her family.

Col. Virgilio Espinelli, Philippine Army’s 202nd Infantry Brigade commander, said he believes that these programs will eventually free the country from insurgency.

A hundred and twenty four rebel returnees in the said province are yet to receive the same benefits. Last June 10, nine ex-communist rebels in Quezon province benefited from the same assistance.

The Social Integration Program which is implemented in various regions in the country intends to attain peace towards economic development.