Bawal judgmental! DILG Chief urges public to stop stigma on ex-rebels
By Chito Chavez
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. prodded the public on Friday, August 26, to avoid casting stigma on former rebels who surrendered to the government, and show compassion to them instead as they try to restart their life.

Abalos made the call after attending successive activities of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) both held at the Iloilo Convention Center on Thursday, August 25.
Checks were awarded to E-CLIP beneficiaries while the newly-elected officials of the LMP-Iloilo Chapter were inducted during the activities.
Abalos explained that E-CLIP provides financial benefits such as reintegration, immediate, and livelihood assistance to help former insurgents back into their communities.
“Now is the time for embracing everyone,’’ said Abalos as the E-CLIP financial assistance was distributed to its beneficiaries from Iloilo Province.
Abalos assured the former rebels that they would not regret returning to the fold of the government “as various agencies do their part in strengthening peace and order efforts.’’
In addition, members of the Regional Management Coordinating Committee (RMCC) were present to meet Abalos and discuss pertinent matters and concerns of their respective offices.
The RMCC members are composed of the Regional Directors of DILG VI, Police Regional Office (PRO 6), Philippine National Police (PNP 6), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM 6), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP 6), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP 6).
During the event, among the highlighted issues were the decongestion of jails, the humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty (PDL), and the need for improved fire stations and additional fire trucks in some municipalities.
The DILG chief also raised concerns on the intensified police visibility, open police hotlines, and random drug testing in prisons.