Comval rebel-returnees find hope in government’s integration program

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 1): Comval rebel-returnees find hope in government’s  integration program

COMPOSTELA VALLEY  – On its 3rd batch of presentation, 11 former rebels each received P65,000 worth of check as the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) with the turnover rites held during the first regular Peace and Order Council Meeting of the province this year last January 21.

Presenting the check to rebel returnees are Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director (PD) Liborio Diana, Vice-Gov. Manuel Zamora, PNP  PD Albert Ignatius Ferro and 1001st Brigade Commander Col. Macairog Alberto of the Philippine Army.The total amount is composed of P15,000 as immediate assistance and P50,000 for livelihood assistance.

Last year, 52 rebel returnees were already given financial assistance under the same program with 2 more batches totaling to 19 beneficiaries set to be awarded this year.

CLIP  is a national government program for rebels who want to go back to the folds of the law and help them live normal lives. The program provides financial assistance and even health and education assistance packages to the returnees.

According to 21-year old “Lisa” (not her real name), she was convinced of the programs and felt the sincerity of the government in helping them. She narrated her past experiences and how it was difficult for her to even visit her partner and 1 year-old kid.

Asked how she will use the financial assistance, she replied, “Plano nako nga magbabuyan ug mu-balhin ug lugar. Gusto na namu magsugod ug bag-ong kinabuhi nga adunay kagawasan.”  (I plan to put up a piggery. We wanted  to start anew).

Meanwhile, 57 year-old “Domeng,” another  recipient of the CLIP,  plans to have his own rice farm. “Maski gamay, plano nako mupalit ug basakan,” he said. Like Lisa, he will also relocate to another town for security reasons.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591454306172/comval-rebel-returnees-find-hope-in-government-s-integration-program