Manila: The government distributed more than PHP5.35 million in financial assistance to 103 former members of the New People's Army (NPA), the Philippine Army reported on Monday. The assistance was released under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) to beneficiaries from various towns in Samar, as well as Borongan City in Eastern Samar and Las Navas in Northern Samar.
According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution on July 25, 2026, in Catbalogan City, Samar, was jointly facilitated by local government units, the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID), the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The 8ID said the beneficiaries included 46 former regular NPA members and 57 Militia ng Bayan and Batakang Organisasyong Pampartido members, described as part-time members of the NPA.
The recipients, referred to by the government as "Peacebuilders," received transition and livelihood assistance and firearm remuneration for surrendered firearms. Among the beneficiaries was alias 'Max," identified by the military as a former platoon leader of the Bugsok platoon under the sub-regional committee Sesame of the NPA Eastern Visayas regional party committee. He received PHP425,000 in financial assistance and encouraged his former comrades to surrender and avail themselves of the government's reintegration programs.
The Army's 8ID assistant division commander, Brig. Gen. Niceforo Diaz Jr. urged the beneficiaries to use the financial assistance responsibly by investing in their families, businesses and communities. 'My challenge to you is to use this assistance wisely. Invest in your family, invest in your business, and be active in your people's organization and in your barangay. Let us prove that peace is more prosperous than violence,' Diaz said.
The official added that the financial assistance marks the beginning, rather than the end, of the government's support for former rebels as part of its efforts to promote lasting peace and sustainable development. The 8ID also reiterated its call for remaining members of the communist terrorist group to surrender, abandon the armed struggle, and participate in the government's peace and reintegration initiatives.
