Landbank to offer loans to rebel returnees

MANILA, Philippines — Former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels can now avail themselves of livelihood loans from the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced yesterday.

Officials of the DND and Landbank signed a memorandum of agreement last week in line with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration program.

“The Land Bank of the Philippines is a welcome addition to our list of partner agencies that will definitely have an important role in peace and reintegration efforts for our former rebels,” DND undersecertary Reynaldo Mapagu said.

Rebel returnees with no pending cases are qualified for the program. Those with pending cases can designate a family member who will be listed as the borrower, DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said.

Around 5,000 former rebels and NPA sympathizers have surrendered under the DND’s  Task Force Balik Loob program.

The Landbank is offering up to P100,000 to help surrenderees start their small business and other means of livelihood.