Former NPA fighters get assistance

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 19, 2019): Former NPA fighters get assistance

The 11 former New People’s Army red fighters in Negros , who surrendered last year to the Philippine Army, are receiving P21,000 each, in line with the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration (E-CLIP) Program package of the Department of Interior and Local Government for former rebels.

The P231,000 “Reintegration Assistance” to former rebels, who surrendered to the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion, was turned over yesterday by DILG provincial officer Carmelo Orbista to Col. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander.

Aside from the initial financial assistance, Arevalo said that former rebels are also entitled to receive P50,000 livelihood assistance from the government, through the E-CLIP.

On top of that, former rebels who surrender firearms will also receive a renumeration, that will depend on the guns surrendered, the amount of which will not be less than P50,000, he added.

“This shows the sincerity of the government to accept rebel returnees, who are willing to go back to the folds of the law”, Arevalo said.

Of the 11 former rebels, seven surrendered to the 62IB and 4 to the 3CMOBn, military records show.

The DILG is encouraging local chief executives to support the entry into mainstream society of former communist rebels through E-CLIP of the interagency Task Force Balik-Loob.

The expanded benefit package for communist rebel surrenderers of the E-CLIP, includes enrolment in the DepEd’s Alternative Learning System and issuance of certification of completion of elementary or high school education. Their spouses or children can also get matriculation and stipend for college education.

 Former rebels also get livelihood materials or employment assistance through referral to government agencies or private companies as well as housing assistance or housing units from the National Housing Authority.

 E-CLIP beneficiaries also get a monthly modified conditional cash transfer from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); livelihood materials or employment assistance; and free legal assistance through the Department of Justice - Public Attorney's Office, among other benefits.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/February/19/topstory8.htm