10 ex-NPA rebels in Sarangani get aid

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A total of 10 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sarangani province received some PHP520,000 worth of financial assistance under the national government’s reintegration program.

Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said Wednesday the beneficiaries are qualified for the firearms remuneration and livelihood grants under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Solon said seven of the former rebels received PHP25,000 to PHP50,000 in remuneration for the surrendered firearms while three others got PHP65,000 each as livelihood assistance.

The governor said the recipients comprise the latest batch of returnees, who mostly surrendered last year, and were approved for inclusion into the E-CLIP.

He said nine of them are from Malapatan town while one is from Malungon, where the military said the NPA’s Guerilla Front 71 operates.

“We will not fail you. We will develop your areas to open up more opportunities for you and convince your former comrades to also join us,” he said in a statement.

He urged other NPA rebels from the area to surrender and avail of various benefits under the E-CLIP.

Under the E-CLIP, former rebels stand to receive housing assistance, skills training, health insurance coverage, and other related interventions.

Last June, a total of eight former NPA rebels from the province also received PHP25,000 to PHP65,000 in livelihood assistance and remuneration for surrendered firearms under the program. (PNA)