ASSISTANCE. Three former members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) in Bulacan receive PHP15,000 immediate and PHP50,000 livelihood assistance each for a total of PHP195,000 on Sept. 3, 2022. The cash aid is under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). (Photo courtesy of the 7th Infantry Division, PA)
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – Three former members of a communist front organization in this province have received financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
DILG Provincial Director, Myrvi Apostol-Fabia, said on Tuesday that the three former members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) received PHP15,000 immediate and PHP50,000 livelihood assistance each for a total of PHP195,000 last Sept. 3 that could help them start new lives with their respective families.
Aside from that, Apostol-Fabia said the provincial government of Bulacan provided them with non-food items.
Lt. Ronnel B. Dela Cruz, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 70th Infantry Battalion (70IB), said the former rebels were convinced to surrender due to the intensified campaign against communist terrorism under Executive Order No. 70 and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
He said the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) campaign became the avenue of the surrenderers as they witnessed the effective implementation of the “whole-of-nation approach” which enables them to better access government services.
Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the Army's 7th Infantry Division, has reassured the support of the unit to active rebels and front group members who wish to return to the fold of the law and have a peaceful life away from the armed conflict.
Meanwhile, Bulacan Vice Governor Alex Castro thanked the former militant group members for deciding to surrender.
He assured them that the provincial government is doing its best to provide them with the needed services. (PNA)
