STARTING NEW LIVES. Some 17 former rebels pose for a photo opportunity after attending the "Tulong Pangkabuhayan Program", a capacity-building program at the NCRPO headquarters, Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Wednesday (Nov. 9, 2022). The former rebels also received a Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police Intelligence Committee (JAPIC) certificate, which is a requirement for the availment of assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of NCRPO)
MANILA – Seventeen former rebels (FRs) who surrendered to the government to reintegrate into mainstream society have received a Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police Intelligence Committee (JAPIC) certificate, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Thursday.
In a statement, NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said the program is in line with the invigorated efforts to support efforts under Executive Order (EO) 70 aimed at ending insurgency in the country and attaining sustainable peace for former rebels (FRs) who surrendered to the government.
The JAPIC certificate is a requirement for the availment of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The E-CLIP assistance granted to FRs covers livelihood, education, housing, medical and other social services crucial to their reintegration into society.
He said the 17 former rebels received the JAPIC certificate during the opening of the two-day "Tulong Pangkabuhayan Program" on Wednesday held at the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) Tagapaglunsad Hall in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
The endeavor is a community-based capacity-building program initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Estomo said it also aims to develop and enhance the skills of the rebel returnees for them to start a new life without violence.
He added they are also the beneficiaries of E-CLIP, a package of cash incentives meant to entice members of the communist movement to surface, return under the clips of the law, and start a peaceful life anew, together with their respective families.
During the event, a certain 'Danmer', shared his story and experiences as a former rebel, and living proof that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) is recruiting and enlisting students to join the leftist organization through their legal fronts.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), brings progress to former conflict-prone communities.
The NTF-ELCAC, created under EO 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018, is tasked to “provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.” (PNA)
