A total of P2.3 million worth of financial assistance was awarded to a former rebel as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR).
The awarding ceremony held recently at the Kalinga Provincial Capitol, the package provided to the former rebel includes immediate assistance, livelihood assistance and firearms remuneration.
DILG-CAR Assistant Regional Director Ruperto B. Maribbay, Jr. and Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba led the awarding of the financial assistance to the unnamed ex-rebel.
The DILG stressed that the ECLIP is a big boost towards the smooth reintegration of former violent extremists and ex-rebels in mainstream society.
Under the program, the DILG guaranteed that the ex-rebels are provided with the “acceptable government assistance and sufficient knowledge and skills to become productive citizens.’’
“ECLIP is a holistic, community-driven initiative to address former rebels' legal status and security concerns while supporting their economic, social, and psychological reintegration into society,’’ the DILG-CAR stated.
In defending the aid to former rebel groups, the DILG stressed that the ECLIP is a big boost towards the smooth reintegration of former violent extremists and ex-rebels in mainstream society.
The DILG added that ECLIP gives the former rebels and former violent extremists help from the government “depending on their situation.’’
“This includes immediate financial assistance, livelihood assistance, reintegration assistance, and firearms remuneration or equivalent payment for surrendered guns.’’ the DILG continued.