FINANCIAL SUPPORT. Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (3rd from left) and Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel (2nd from left) lead the distribution of PHP5.3 million financial aid to 66 former rebels in Tandag City on Wednesday (March 6, 2024). The former rebels also received PHP660,000 worth of assistance from the different government line agencies. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Ayec Pimentel)
BUTUAN CITY – Sixty-six former combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who separately surrendered to the government last year received PHP5.3 million financial assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) in a ceremony held in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
“ECLIP is an avenue to reach out to communist rebels and to aid their economic, social, and psychological rehabilitation needs,” Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel said in a statement on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Pimentel and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. distributed the ECLIP assistance to the ex-rebels.
In collaboration with various agencies, Pimentel assured the provincial government will continue to assist the former rebels until they are fully rehabilitated and reunited with their families in their respective communities.
The former rebels also received separate assistance worth PHP660,000 from the different government line agencies, particularly from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Labor and Employment, and PhilHealth.
Among those who received assistance was “Benny” who surrendered to the government late last year after nearly five years inside the rebel movement.
“After my surrender, the government helped me rebuild my life through skills training programs. With the assistance I received, I can now start my livelihood in our barangay,” he said in the vernacular during a phone interview on Thursday.
Benny also hoped that other rebels still suffering inside the movement would see the benefits they gained after their surrender. (PNA)
