P1.5-M cash aid released to 21 ex-rebels in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Another batch of former members of New People’s Army (NPA) were given financial assistance amounting to over PHP1.5 million on Wednesday, August 29, as part of the the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

At least 21 rebel returnees received PHP65,000 worth of livelihood assistance, 10 of whom received additional cash assistance as remuneration for the firearms that they surrendered.

Captain Norman Tagros, civil military operations officer of the Army's 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, said the beneficiaries surrendered to the military during the second semester in 2017 up to the first semester this year.

Glenda Hope A. Beley, Program Manager and E-CLIP provincial focal person of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bukidnon, called on former CPP-NPA members to put the assistance they received in good use and become advocates of peace.

“We would like to encourage our former NPA rebels to use your money wisely. Moreover, we enjoin you to become agents of change and advocates of peace,” Beley said during the turnover ceremony.

E-CLIP was established through the Administrative Order 10 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 3, 2018.

The order unified the two existing programs: the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Payapa sa Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process.

Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon, 403rd Brigade deputy commander, assured the sincerity of the government in its effort to attain peace and assist the former CPP-NPA members who opted to return to mainstream society.

“Our activity proves the sincerity of the government to ensure the welfare and well-being of our former CPP-NPA members as they join back the mainstream society. The E-CLIP is a genuine program that seeks to assist our surrenderers through cash and livelihood assistance, employment opportunities, housing grants, and Philhealth benefits,” Barandon said.

Last month, military, DILG, and local officials also led the distribution of financial assistance to another batch of NPA surrenders. (PNA/With PR from 4ID).