LEGAZPI CITY – Two former rebels who recently surrendered to the government were given financial aid in Camarines Sur, a 9th Infantry Division (9ID) official said on Saturday.
Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9ID Public Affairs Office Chief, said the beneficiaries of cash assistance were alias Mimoy, a former finance officer of Norben Gruta Command; and alias Randy, a commanding officer of Militiang Bayan.
"The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the provincial government of Camarines Sur led the awarding which was held at the Capitol Convention Center in Pili, both of them received a livelihood assistance amounting to PHP50,000 and an immediate assistance amounting to PHP15,000 while Randy, who surrendered a firearm received an additional PHP60,000 firearm remuneration under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)," Belleza said in a phone interview.
Belleza added Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad believes that the snowballing number of surrenderers is a clear manifestation of the effectiveness of the intensified campaign against insurgency.
"JTFB once again called on the Bicolanos to unite and work hand in hand with the government to put an end to the 50-year-old insurgency problem in the country and attain peaceful and sustainable development in the communities," he added.
Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) ensures that formel rebels can avail of a holistic package of benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing, and even legal assistance. (PNA)
