Manila, July 11 -- The Samar provincial government has completed 17 houses intended for former rebels in two towns in the province as part of the government's efforts to wipe out insurgency.

Ten units were handed over to former members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Calbiga town and seven in San Jose de Buan town.

This is the second batch of houses awarded to beneficiaries in San Jose de Buan. The government held a turnover of the first 10 houses in April 2024.

Each 150-square-meter house costs PHP250,000 to PHP280,000, with each unit designed with "amakan" (woven split-bamboo mats) with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.

In a statement on Friday, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said they have plans to expand the Saad nga Ba...