Cash, livelihood assistance given to 50 ex-NPA fighters in Northern Mindanao
By Chito Chavez
The national government gave almost P14 million worth of cash and livelihood assistance to 50 communist rebels under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Thursday, Aug. 4.
DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. assured those who surrendered that they will not regret their decision as the government will support them in turning a new leaf in their lives.
Abalos led the oath of allegiance of 50 former combatants from NPA and MB as they swore to leave the communist armed rebellion and turn a new leaf as peaceful, productive Filipino citizens.
During the ceremony, a total of 183 surrendered firearms were demilitarized with 160 coming from Bukidnon Province, five from Lanao del Norte, six from Misamis Oriental and 12 from Cagayan de Oro City.
“Sa pamumuno ng ating Pangulong (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos (Jr.), mayroon kayong gobyernong hindi lamang nakikinig sa inyong problema, kundi gumagawa din ng aksyon. At kung magkakasama tayo sa pag-papatupad ng mga programang ito, hindi tayo magkakamali,”
(Under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, you have a government that will not only listen to your problems but will act on your concerns. And if we join in enforcing this program, we will not go wrong),’’ Abalos said.
He also echoed the call of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. for unity during the formal ceremony.
The qualified E-CLIP beneficiaries are entitled to receive cash assistance like P50,000 livelihood assistance; P15,000 for mobilization expenses; and, firearms remuneration amounting to the value of the surrendered firearms.
Abalos explained that the E-CLIP aims to incentivize the communist surrender and help reintegrate former members of the NPA and MB as part of the government’s anti-insurgency and terrorism campaign.
The E-CLIP is a flagship program of the previous administration that the present administration plans to continue.
According to Abalos, the Marcos administration targets to reach far-flung barangays to solve the root causes of insurgency in the country. (Chito A. Chavez)