PRRD makes a historic visit, distributes aids to 262 former rebels in Leyte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22, 2020): PRRD makes a historic visit, distributes aids to 262 former rebels in Leyte (By Olive P. Tiu)

LEYTE, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is set to make history as the first ever Philippine President to step foot in San Isidro, as per Mayor Remedio Veloso.

This, as he visits this 4th class municipality in Western Leyte on January 23, to lead in the distribution of benefits to 262 former rebels in Leyte province.

During the coordination meeting at San Isidro, Mayor Veloso said, “The local government and the people of San Isidro are truly humbled by the gesture of the President, visiting this town no matter how poor it is.”

He added that never before that a President of the Republic has dared to visit this poor town.

In the activity which is hosted by the Leyte Provincial Task Force-ELCAC under the leadership of Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, President Duterte is scheduled to lead in the distribution of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits to 262 former rebels from Leyte who returned to the folds of the law and were qualified to enroll in the E-CLIP.

The rebel returnees include one NPA member from MacArthur, Leyte; one from Jaro, Leyte; one from Burauen, Leyte; 11 NPA members and 40 Militia ng Bayan from Sitio Catoogan, Barangay Daja, Daku, San Isidro, Leyte; two NPA members and 62 Militia ng Bayan from Barangay Taglawigan, San Isidro, Leyte; four NPA members and 63 Militia ng Bayan from Sitio Airport, Barangay Casiongan, Calubian, Leyte; five NPA members and 10 Militia ng Bayan from Sitio Sorosimbahan, Barangay Anislagan, Calubian, Leyte; four NPA members and 35 Militia ng Bayan from Barangay Jubay, Calubian,Leyte; and four NPA members and 25 Militia ng Bayan from Sitio Cabatoan, Barangay Casiongan, Calubian, Leyte.

To sum it all, there are 33 NPA members and 229 Militia ng Bayan who availed of the E-CLIP.

Among the benefits the 262 former rebels will receive is the P15,000 immediate assistance from E-CLIP and P10,000 from the Province of Leyte. An undetermined amount will also be given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The 33 former regular NPAs will receive from the President some P50,000 livelihood assistance.

One former rebel who turned over several firearms when he surrendered will receive P678,000 from E-CLIP and P70,000 from the Province of Leyte. The President will also distribute certificates of lot entitlements to all the 262 former rebels.

This will qualify them to have a house and farm at the Peace and Prosperity Village at Sitio Limite, Barangay Daja Daku, San Isidro in a more than 50 hectares of land owned by the province of Leyte.

Governor Petilla said the village is open to all former rebels and displaced settlers in Leyte who will embrace peace and development in Leyte.

Moreover, President Duterte will also distribute calamity assistance to several municipalities and city in Leyte that were severely affected by Typhoon Ursula.

Among these LGUs include Babatngon, Barugo, Calubian, Capoocan, Carigara, Leyte, San Isidro, San Miguel, Tabango and Tacloban. Other Leyte LGUs are expected to be included.

Expected to join the President are members of his Cabinet: Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense; CORDS8 and HUDCC Secretary Eduardo del Rosario; DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano; National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC Vice Chair Secretary HermogenesEsperon, Jr.; DA Secretary William Dar; DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista; DAR Secretary John Castriciones; CenCom Commander MGen Roberto Ancan; NHA Gen. Manager Marcelino Escalada, Jr., among others. (opt/PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033254