BUTUAN CITY – Twenty-five former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels received cash assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) totaling P1.6 million after completing a 10-day deradicalization program in Misamis Oriental on Wednesday, May 24.
TWENTY-FIVE former 25 New People’s Army received government assistance after they completed a deradicalization program at the Halfway House, Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental on Wednesday, May 24. (Photo via Mike U. Crismundo)
The closing program and awarding of assistance was held at the Halfway House, Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental
Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia was the guest honor and speaker and led the awarding and check distribution.
Each recipient received P65,000 consisting of P50,000 livelihood assistance, P15,000 immediate cash assistance, and P5,000 financial assistance from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) as additional support for their reintegration process.
“As you have seen, there is actually a government that is ready to help you,” Unabia said.
“There are a lot of programs in the government you can avail of that could help you earn additional income. And we hope that you will utilize wisely the financial assistance given to you in order to establish a new life with your family,” the provincial chief executive said, adding: “The government is genuine to help you address your issues and concerns.”
“The collaborative efforts of the different line agencies, including the military and police, play a vital role in the success of the program. You must educate the children that the military and police are not the enemy but our partners in peace-building,” he said.
The deradicalization program formally opened on Monday, May 15, and was graced by Department of Interior and Local Government-Misamis Oriental Director Marisia C. Naybe, Misamis Oriental police chief Police Col. Gonzalo C. Villamor, and Lt. Col. Christian C. Uy, commanding officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion (IB).
The program consists of psychosocial activities such as knowing-the-self and community workshops to include community immersion and team-building in order to assist them in social transformation and inclusive development.
Included in their training were seminars on financial literacy and binangkal and taro chip-making facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, respectively.
This inter-agency program aims to redirect the rebel returnees’ outlook in life and allow them to live normal lives in their communities in Northern Mindanao.