VIRAC, Catanduanes – A former rebel in this island province has surrendered his firearm to Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua.
The handover ceremony was held at the Capitol Conference Room on November 27, 2018 where the rebel returnee received P15,000 as initial cash assistance from the governor and another P15,000 from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The cash support were in addition to the numerous benefits that he received from DILG’s key partners in government.
The benefits were part of the Task Force Balik-Loob under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a centerpiece program of the government’s localized peace process, which integrates and consolidates the benefits and services of all national and local agencies and local government units for former rebels and their families.
In his testimony, the rebel returnee shared some stories of his plight. A native of San Miguel, Catanduanes, he was not able to attend school and was orphaned at a young age. He worked as an abaca farmer before he was recruited in the communist group.
Governor Cua lauded the rebel returnee for his courage in embracing the government and the rule of law underscoring the importance of peace-and-order situation in the development of the community.
According to him, peace and order is vital in the development and progress of the province since investments will be based from peace and order situation of the province.
In this connection, Cua signed Executive Order No. 42, series of 2018, which constitutes the E-CLIP committee in the provincial level.
The committee will be chaired by the governor. It will also include its co-chairman, Brigader Commander Bondoc; and member-representatives, Ma. Rosella N. Taraya (PSWDO), Director Uldarico S. Razal (DILG – Catanduanes), Police Senior Insp. Jonathan O. Panganiban (PNP Catanduanes) and Rev. Fr. Renato Dela Rosa (CSO).
The committee was tasked to ensure the convergent efforts in the delivery of the identified services of the E-CLIP, among others.
The local chief executive also lauded the commitment of agencies in peace efforts and their pledged assistance.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 902nd Brigade Commander Peale Jon L. Bondoc assured rebels planning to surrender of security and safety, along with the dedicated assistance of the police and armed forces and inter-agency support, in their reintegration process.
He also explained the mechanism of E-CLIP, stressing that the program does not only cater to the armed rebels, but also Militia ng Bayan members and rebel supporters.
He clarified that a validation process is also done before being enrolled to the program which is based on interviews to other returnees.
The E-CLIP is a whole-of-nation approach to end the cycle of violence brought by insurgency, he added. Brig. Gen. Bondoc called on for support from government and private agencies, especially media partners to help in disseminating information on the program.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1016144
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