Government grants financial assistance to 6 rebel returnees in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): Government grants financial assistance to 6 rebel returnees in North Cotabato

Six rebel returnees from North Cotabato who decided to return to the folds of the law and live normal lives received Tuesday their financial assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), a national reintegration program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The returnees were presented by the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) to North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza who in turn handed checks during the joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting held at the provincial capitol.

North Cotabato Board Member Kellie U. Antao, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan peace and order committee, DILG Provincial Director Ali Abdullah, 1002nd Brigade Commander Col. Roland Villanueva assisted Mendoza as she turned over the CLIP checks of PHP15,000 for each recipient, and assistance from the national government.

CLIP is a national reintegration program of OPAPP for former rebels, complementing local government efforts. It is a joint undertaking of the DILG, military (1002nd and 602nd Brigade), Philippine National Police, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), judiciary, and civil society. Governor Mendoza chairs the Provincial CLIP Committee.

While the governor lauded the concerted efforts of the above-mentioned agencies, which led the former rebels to voluntarily disarm and undergo mainstreaming in civilian and productive life and trust the government, she also reminded local officials, especially the chief executive of each local government unit (LGU) to implement stronger peace and order programs.

She said it is important that local officials understand that along with the developments and progress around us is the fact that we become targets of criminals and other lawless elements who wants to take advantage of people.

Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Alexander Tagum, North Cotabato police provincial director, told the PPOC that Kidapawan City and Midsayap have recorded the highest crime incidents during the 3rd quarter of 2015.

“Hope this will serve as reminder to all our LGU partners to strengthen accomplishment of the PNP and have more innovations to reduce criminality in your respective area of responsibility,” Governor Mendoza said.

The outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), communist guerrillas, extortion gangs and proliferation of illegal drugs were the major threats in North Cotabato’s 17 towns and one city.

Tagum said security measures are in place to contain the major threats in the province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=814638