Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Sunday said that a total of 66 former rebels and their families have received livelihood assistance worth P65,000 each under the government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
Roxas along with Governor Jose Maria Zubiri Jr. handed the checks to the former rebels during simple rites held at Camp Osito Bahian, the home of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, also known as Peacemaker Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in this city.
Twenty-six of the former rebels have returned to the fold of the law as early as 2009 while the latest batch of 40 were among those who laid down their arms on March 22, 2014, Roxas said.
During the program, Zubiri pledged to provide additional livelihood support of P50,000 for each of the 66 former rebels.
He appealed to Roxas to help facilitate the resumption of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
In behalf of the government, Roxas welcomed the rebel returnees to the fold of the law.
The DILG Chief said the implementation of CLIP in partnership with the local government units (LGUs), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and civil society organizations (CSOs) demonstrates the Aquino administration’s commitment to pursuing peace and development amid the stalled peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
CLIP is being spearheaded by the DILG as part of the government’s peace and development efforts across the country.
He urged the CLIP beneficiaries to undergo counseling to be prudent and wise in spending the livelihood support awarded by the government.
"Sa ayaw at gusto nyo, magiging ka-partner nyo si Mar Roxas para hindi na kayo kailangang bumalik sa bundok (Whether you like it or not you will partnered with Mar Roxas and you will not go back in mountain) ," Roxas said.
He said he will help find ways for the former rebels to find sustainable source of income for the former rebels.
He also promised Zubiri to help facilitate the resumption of the peace talks with the NDFP.
Roxas said that the government remains steadfast in its resolve to address the insurgency problem in the country through good governance and reform anchored on the “Daang Matuwid” thrusts of the Aquino administration.
The DILG’s role in the peace and development efforts of the government was institutionalized by the signing of the the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2014-01 between the DILG and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on May 15, 2014.
Before CLIP, the government has implemented similar programs to encourage former rebels to return to the fold of the law. These include National Reconciliation and Development Program ( RDP) in 1986, New NRDP in 1992; National Program for Unification and Development (NPUD) in 1994, and Expanded NPUD “Balikloob Program” in 2000 and the Social Integration Program implemented from 2007 until 2010.
The event was highlighted by the ceremonial turn-over of firearms of the former rebels to government authorities and pledge of allegiance to the Constitution, which was witnessed by officials and representatives of CLIP-implementing agencies, which incidentally marks the Centennial Anniversary of Bukidnon.
Among those turned over were long and short firearms belonging to the former rebels, including M-14 and M-16 automatic rifles.
Joining Roxas and Zubiri, who is also the chairman of the Bukidnon-CLIP committee, are Senator Teofisto Guingona, DILG Region 10 Director Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, P/Chief Supt. Isagani F. Genabe, chief of the PNP Region 10 Office, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 10 chief Supt. Lindy C. Lauzon, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 10 chief, S/Supt. Cesar F. Balderas and Col. Francisco Pabayo, the Commanding Officer of the 403rd Infantry Brigade.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=678683
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