菲律宾政府将提供120万比索给每个放弃反政府的武装分子

MANILA, Philippines - The government has increased from P18,000 to P50,000 the cash reward for every M-16 assault rifle that a rebel-returnee would relinquish upon his surrender.

Presidential peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr said this is on top of the P20,000 cash assistance and P50,000 livelihood aid being extended to former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who return to the fold of the law.

"That means a rebel returnee stands to receive a whopping sum of P120,000 if he brings with him an M-16 and yield them to authorities. The amount is more than enough for a former rebel to start his or her own small business," Esperon said in a statement.

The military, on the other hand, lauded the movement, saying it will hasten the defeat of the communist insurgents, which President Arroyo wants defeated before her term ends in 2010.

“Increasing the incentive can possibly increase the chances of having more rebels turning in their firearms,” said Armed Forces public information office chief Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres said.

Torres said the M-16 is the common firearm of communist guerillas. - GMANews.TV