Former rebels receive cash, livelihood assistance in AgSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 27): Former rebels receive cash, livelihood assistance in AgSur

Three former rebels in Agusan del Sur received cash and livelihood assistance from the government thru the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga on June 23, 2017 in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

According to 2Lt. Romel Arnado, Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Officer of 26th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, of the three former rebels, two surrendered to 26IB while the other one surrendered to 3rd Special Forces Battalion.

Arnado added that the three received from DILG and DSWD the P50,000.00 livelihood assistance and P15,000.00 cash assistance.

The names of the beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) were not disclosed for their safety/security especially when they go back to the mainstream society.

“The government wanted to help them cope with the normal life in their respective community and with the livelihood assistance given to them will be a good start. They can also avail of the other programs of the government when they need to,” expressed Arnado.

Also, 26IB commanding officer LTC Rommel Pagayon encouraged other members of the New People's Army (NPA) in the province to surrender and be part of the mainstream society.

“The 26IB and 401st Brigade, Philippine Army with the guidance of Col. Andres Centino is very willing to accept the former rebels who would want to surrender. You are safe with us, and the government has programs and services intended for you,” he underlined.

During the turn-over ceremony, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies also witnessed said activity.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2041498528253/former-rebels-receive-cash-livelihood-assistance-in-agsur