6 returnees get CLIP help

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 10): 6 returnees get CLIP help

SIX FORMER members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who surrendered to the government received their assistance through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Thursday.

Capt. Norman Tagros, the civil-military operations officer of the Philippine Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the CLIP Committee of Bukidnon, through Bukidnon Provincial Administrator Atty. Nestor Cajes, Jr., and 403rd IB Deputy Commander Col. Royland Orquia, facilitated the giving of checks to the former NPA members in a simple ceremony around 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Tagros said the six former regular NPA members received a total of P65,000 each for their livelihood and immediate assistance and firearms remuneration amounting to a total of P115,000.

“These surrendered individuals were among the last batch of former CPP-NPA members who went to Manila on March 5-7 for a tour in different historical sites and a visit to Malacañan Palace where they also dined with President Rodrigo Duterte,” he said.

During the giving of CLIP Assistance, alias Jake, one of the surrenderers, mentioned that “we are very happy with the program of the government.”

“The promise is for real,” Jake said in vernacular. “It’s very different to the unfulfilled promises of the CPP-NPA.”

“I am urging my former colleagues to avail of this government program.”

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, the commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, assured the former CPP-NPA members of their security and well-being.

Vinoya also mentioned that the CLIP Committee will continue assisting the rebel returnees as they start their life anew.

“More than the immediate cash and livelihood assistance as well as the firearms remuneration, we will ensure that these individuals will have a better life by continuously providing them capacity development and livelihood skills trainings in collaboration with different government agencies to help them in their employment,” Vinoya said.

“Our President has also promised them housing benefits and even made an unprecedented gesture of inviting our brothers to dine with him in Malacañan Palace and have a tour in different historical places in Manila,” he added.

http://mindanaotimes.net/6-returnees-get-clip-help/