DILG extends livelihood aid to 7 ex-rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): DILG extends livelihood aid to 7 ex-rebels

Seven former rebels from Iloilo province received PHP65,000 each in financial aid under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG provincial director Teodora Sumagaysay said Thursday the assistance would enable the former rebels to start livelihood projects, now that they are back in mainstream society.

Of the total amount, PHP50,000 will go to their livelihood project and PHP15, 000 will serve as immediate assistance.

The former rebels received their respective checks Thursday morning from Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion Commander Leo Peńa and Sumagaysay at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Most of them were from the third district of Iloilo, specifically Janiuay. Four of them surrendered to the Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion, and the other three to the 82nd Infantry Battalion.

Sumagaysay mentioned that the former rebels have gained approval for their respective business plans before they were granted the assistance.

She said that they have different choices but most of their livelihood proposals were in agriculture.

Meanwhile, Peńa said the assistance is proof that the government is sincere in helping rebels who return to mainstream society.

He lauded the government program for the former rebels. most of whom are already living peacefully with their own homes and livelihood.

He assured that they are continuously holding dialogues with other rebels, especially those in Lambunao town, so they would surrender.

Last year, more than 20 former rebels received the same assistance from the DILG.

Meanwhile, the department has assured that the CLIP committee, composed of representatives of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and the provincial social welfare and development office, will monitor if the assistance is being utilized by the former rebels for its intended purpose.

The military and the police will continuously implement their advocacy campaigns to make sure that the former rebels do not return to the rebel movement, that they are protected, and that they are fully reintegrated into the society.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=970428