TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 30 -- At least 104 former rebels in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar have received cash assistance from the government for participating in an emergency employment program.

A ceremony held Tuesday in Lope De Vega town awarded PHP924,000 cash to 264 beneficiaries, including the 104 New People's Army (NPA) surrenderers to the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police units in the province.

Philippine Army 43rd Infantry Battalion spokesperson 1st Lt. Benigno Lopez, Jr. lauded the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the local government for enlisting former members of the NPA in the program.

"This is a way to make them productive as they start a new life after engaging in a senseless armed struggle. We want t...