NPA SURRENDER. A former member of the New People's Army (NPA) (left) shakes hand with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. as he receives financial assistance under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Seven former rebels alongside their surrendered war materiel were presented to the governor on Friday (May 17, 2019). (PNA photo by Gail Momblan)
ILOILO CITY -- Seven rebels in Iloilo province who have returned to the fold, received financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) on Friday.
Teodora Sumagaysay, director of the provincial office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said six of the seven returnees were members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and one was a member of the Militia ng Bayan (MB).
They hailed from the towns of Lambunao, Calinog, Bingawan, Igbaras, and Barotac Viejo, Sumagaysay said.
She said the E-CLIP also grants government assistance to the MBs, who are supporters or force multipliers of the rebels.
The rebel returnees received PHP65,000 each -- PHP15, 000 in immediate assistance and PHP50,000 in livelihood assistance.
“Our Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office monitors the returnees to ensure that the financial assistance given to them are being used for the ntended purpose,” Sumagaysay said in an interview Friday.
Rebel returnees who availed of the E-CLIP have submitted their business plans, she said, noting that most returnees venture into livestock raising.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 16th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army (PA), said the surrender of the seven is the result of the community support program conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“This is a victory, not only for the Philippine Army but also for the people of Panay because we see that this activity is a manifestation that the dying bogus organization, New People’s Army, is only good in making false promises.
Their members are slowly being enlightened,” Batara said in an interview.
He noted that among the war materiel surrendered by the former rebels were a US Rifle caliber .30 M1 Springfield (garand), clips and bandolier, homemade 12-gauge shotgun, caliber 357 revolver, caliber .38 revolver, and grenade.
“We have turned them (firearms) over to the local government and they will be turned over to the Philippine National Police,” Batara said, adding the E-CLIP committee will determine ways to dispose of the firearms.
Although he was unable to cite a figure, Batara said there will be a next batch of returnees, particularly from the northern municipalities of Iloilo, whose surrender is being processed.
Sumagaysay and Batara both encouraged other rebels to return to the government.
“The government does not stop thinking of programs that will benefit them (rebels). There are a lot of programs in store for them,” Sumagaysay said.
The rebel returnees and the surrendered firearms were presented to the E-CLIP chairman in the province.
The NPA, which has been engaged in a five-decade armed struggle, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
