E-CLIP benefits ex-NPA rebels in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 24, 2020): E-CLIP benefits ex-NPA rebels in Bukidnon (By Rene M. Belmonte, Jr. CMO, 403rd Brigade, PA)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, May 24—Seven former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Bukidnon received a total of P365 thousand assistance and benefits from the government through the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

E-CLIP is a complete package of assistance for the NPA rebels who surrender to the government.

The beneficiaries received the incentives in a ceremonial awarding rite during the groundbreaking ceremony of the halfway house in Impasugong, Bukidnon that will cater to the psychosocial and psychological needs of the former rebels (FRs) in preparation for their reintegration into mainstream society.

Officials and representatives of government and non-government agencies witnessed the event.

The total amount received by the FRs includes firearm remuneration and livelihood assistance.

Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, 8IB commanding officer, lauded the said FRs for yielding and availing of the E-CLIP benefits.

“I encourage the surrenderees to continue convincing other active NPA and supporters to surrender and join the mainstream society for a peaceful life,” he said.

Engr. Carmelo Enrique Libot, provincial director of DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) in Bukidnon who graced the event, said that to date, 524 ex-NPA rebels have returned to the folds of law and the Bukidnon E-CLIP committee is now processing their incentives.

Col. Ferdinand Barandon, 403rd Brigade commander who is also the Co-chairman of Bukidnon ECLIP Committee said that the government has all the best programs to offer for the former rebels to enjoy peaceful and progressive lives.

“The benefits that the FRs received will be a big help for them to start a new life,” Col. Barandon said. (Rene M. Belmonte Jr, CMO 403rd Bde, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1042766