Negros Occidental Gov. Bong Lacson led the distribution of financial assistance worth a total of P228,000 to 17 peace and development community volunteers from various towns and cities of the province, today.
The peace volunteers are former rebels who are now members of the Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (SAMBAYANAN), which advocates peace and development programs.
SAMBAYANAN is an organization composed of former members of the New People’s Army who abandoned their allegiance to the underground communist movement.
303rd Infantry Brigade Commander, General Orlando Edralin, 79th IB Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Calaoagan, and Negros Occ. Police Provincial Office Director Colonel Rainerio De Chavez joined the governor at the activity.
Gov. Lacson thanked the peace volunteers for choosing peace and for supporting the peace initiatives of the provincial government in collaboration with the Philippine Army and the PNP.*
