Nearly 28,000 former rebels and their dependents have received around P1 billion in government assistance since July 2022, according to figures presented by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
Data posted by the Presidential Communications Office showed that 27,897 former rebels and their dependents benefited from government assistance between July 2022 and October 2026.
The figures were presented during the 10th NTF-ELCAC Executive Committee meeting at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed government agencies to prioritize the group’s Transformation Program.
The program provides livelihood opportunities, educational assistance and other forms of support to help former rebels return to civilian life.
At least 3,911 dependents have also received scholarships through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Educational Assistance Program.
The government has likewise organized 4,713 people’s organizations to expand economic opportunities and encourage community participation among former rebels and their families.
Separate figures showed that P44.9 billion had been allocated under the Barangay Development Program for projects in 5,638 of the country’s 9,750 identified isolated areas.
These include the construction of 978 classrooms, 1,601 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, 1,182 water and sanitation systems, and 556 health stations.
The projects are expected to benefit around 16.08 million Filipinos.
The reintegration program forms part of the government’s efforts to address economic and social concerns in conflict-affected communities through livelihood opportunities and improved access to basic services.IMT
