Leyte LGU provides assistance to 28 former rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 1): Leyte LGU provides assistance to 28 former rebels

The provincial government of Leyte recently, through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) had once again distributed reintegration funds to 28 former members of the New People’s Army who have decided to return to mainstream society.

Each former rebel received P10,000 worth of pre-surfacing assistance while another P25,000.00 was also given to each of the five who surrendered with firearms.

The distribution was the highlight of the Ceremonial Awarding of Financial Assistance to 28 Former Rebels held at Barangay Cagnocot, Villaba, Leyte on Wednesday morning, January 30, 2013, which was attended by Leyte Governor Mimietta Bagulaya.

Bagulaya expressed the Provincial Government of Leyte’s gratitude to the military, police and other government agencies who worked hand in hand in the implementation of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Bagulaya also commended the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Mrs. Clotilde Malatbalat and third district board member Hon. Rolando Piamonte who were equally instrumental to the success of the event.

The said official was impressed by the courage of the former rebels who will be reintegrated in their respective communities.

Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, commanding officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion based in Brgy. Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte said that the recipients of the provincial assistance were former members of the Front-Committee Leyte (FC-L) which the military battled for several years.

Meanwhile, Col. Rafael Valencia, area commander of the military in Leyte, in his speech, urged the recipients to serve as examples to their former comrades by encouraging them to return to the folds of the law and avail of the programs in store for them.

Valencia further said that the assistance received by the former rebels is just the start of the new life and brighter future that lies ahead of them and their respective families.

The purpose of said distribution of financial assistance is to give chance to former rebels to rejoin the mainstream of society and to provide a peaceful avenue, to help eradicate the armed rebel organizations in the province and to address their legal, economic and psycho-social needs and create opportunities for a change to be a productive citizens in the country, and their transition to peaceful civilian life.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1141359703073