TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 6 -- To ensure that former rebels will not return to armed struggle, the local government of Can-avid in Eastern Samar assured Monday to provide them with decent homes.

Mayor Vilma Germino issued the statement following the groundbreaking of the "Saad na Balay" (promised houses) project to benefit former members of the New People's Army.

Germino said at least 10 houses, each worth PHP272,642 and designed half-concrete and half-fiber boards, will be initially built for the former rebels in Can-avid, she said.

"The goal is to provide a decent home to former rebels and encourage remaining active New People's Army members to surrender and reintegrate into the normal community," she said.

The project is a collaborative ...