Esperon to distribute cash to rebel returnees in Negros

CEBU - At least 26 rebel returnees in Negros Occidental are set to receive cash incentives from the government that would be handed over by no less than retired Armed Forces Chief of Staff and incumbent Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon.

Officials of the Central Command said Esperon will personally distri-bute some P140,000 to former rebels during the closing ceremony of the processing for rebel returnees to avail of the Social Integration Program under the peace process in Negros Occidental today.

Of the amount, P20,000 will be handed over as immediate assistance allowance; P50,000 for material and livelihood support; P20,000 for skills training, and another P50,000 through the local government units if high-powered rifles are surrendered.

Esperon will be coming over to Negros Occidental to hand over the incentives to the rebel returnees together with Negros Occidental Governor Isidro Zayco at the Provincial Capitol.

The event is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Social Integration Program for peace process as provided under Administrative Order 172.

Central Command spokesperson Maj. Christopher Tampus said that other returnees will undergo processing to determine if they will qualify as rebels.

SIP was created in June and today will mark the first SIP in the Visayas.

This is the revised version of the “Balik Baril” program which used to reward P18,000 to rebel returnees who surrender high-powered rifles. —Nina Chrismae G. Sumacot/WAB (THE FREEMAN)