P5 million gov’t financial assistance distributed to former rebels in Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
July 26, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – At least 103 former rebels (FRs), Milisyang Bayan (MB) and Batakang Organisasyong Pampartido (BOP) or part-time members of the New People’s Army, dubbed as Peacebuilders, received a total of P5,354,000 worth of financial assistance under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) in a ceremonial distribution on July 23, 2026, at Tandaya Hall, Catbalogan City, Samar.

The Provincial Government of Samar, 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Provincial Social Welfare and Development and Department of Interior and Local Government Unit jointly facilitated the distribution of financial assistance to the members of the Peacebuilders Group from Calbiga, Pinabacdao, Basey, Villareal, San Jorge, San Jose De Buan and Paranas in Samar province, as well as Borongan City in Eastern Samar and Las Navas, Northern Samar.

The financial assistance received by the Peacebuilders are transition assistance, livelihood assistance and firearm remuneration for those who surrendered with firearms.

Out of the 103 beneficiaries, 46 are former NPA regular, 57 are MB/BOP members or part-time NPA.

Alias Max, former Platoon Leader of Bugsok Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), and one of the beneficiaries of the LSIP, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the government after receiving a total of P425, 000 financial assistance.

He also encouraged his former comrades who remain in the armed struggle to surrender, embrace a peaceful life and avail of the government’s reintegration program while it is still available.

“Magbalik-loob na kamo, kay an gobyerno naghahatag hin bulig para magin mahimyang an panginabuhi, mamurayaw, waray kasamok han pamilya. Lusad na kamo para mabuligan lugod kamo,” Alias Max said.

(“Magbalik-loob na kayo, kasi ang gobyerno ay nagbibigay ng tulong para maging mapayapa ang pamumuhay, tahimik, walang kaguluhan sa pamilya. Bumababa na kayo para matulungan kayo.” Alias Max said.)

In the message of Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, delivered by Provincial Administrator Fe Arcales, she stressed that the provincial government is grateful that these former rebels decided to return to the folds of the law and are now helping the government as agents for peace.

The provincial government is also hopeful that the financial aid will help the former rebels rebuild their lives and provide better future for their families.

“Hinaot unta nga ini nga bulig magin tinikangan hin mas maupay nga kabubuwason para iyo ngan iyo tagsa-tagsa nga pamilya. Padayon kita pagburublig ngan pagtukod hin probinsya nga may kamurayawan, pagkaurusa, mahimyang ngan padayon an pagigin mainuswagon. Ha ngaran han provincial government of Samar, nagpapasalamat kami han iyo pagsarig, ngan kooperasyon nga magkaurusa kita,” Arcales expressed.

(“Sana itong tulong na ito ang maging simula ng mas magandang kinabukasan para sa inyo at sa bawat pamilya Ninyo. Patuloy lang tayong makipagtulungan sa pagtayo ng probinsyang may kapayapaan, pagtutulungan, tahimik at patuloy ang pagiging maunlad. Sa ngalan ng provincial government of Samar, nagpapasalamat kami sa inyong tiwala, at kooperasyon na tayo’y magkaisa,” Arcales expressed.)

Meanwhile, the Assistant Division Commander of 8th Infantry Division, Brigadier General Niceforo Diaz Jr, reminded the beneficiaries to use the financial assistances wisely.

“Ang hamon ko sa inyo, gamitin ng tama ang tulong na ito. I-invest sa pamilya, i-invest sa negosyo, maging aktibo sa inyong people’s organization at sa barangay. Patunayan natin na ang kapayapaan ay masagana kaysa karahasan,” Brig. Gen. Diaz emphasized.

Brig.Gen Diaz also expressed that the distribution of financial aid is not the end of the government’s support for the former rebels, rather a beginning of the continued assistance as part of the government’s commitment to promote lasting peace and sustainable development.