7 Iloilo former rebels get gov’t assistance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 14, 2020): 7 Iloilo former rebels get gov’t assistance (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 14 (PIA) -- Seven former rebels (FRs) in Iloilo received firearms remuneration, immediate cash and livelihood assistance through the Enhanced–Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E–CLIP).

The turn-over of assistance, held on October 12, 2020 at Governors Hall, Provincial Capitol, Iloilo City, was led by Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., said 61st Infantry Battalion Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer 2Lt. Sarah Mae Cerna.

The Governor was assisted by Department of the Interior and Local Government- Iloilo provincial director Teodora Sumagaysay, 61IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, Iloilo Police Provincial Director Colonel Gilbert Gorero, and Civil Society Organization Representative Rev. Reynaldo Romero.

The beneficiaries received a total of P589,000 E-CLIP assistance.

According to the former rebels (FRs), the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) promised to support and provide them the financial needs of their family if they join in the organization, but in reality this are just false promises.

They decided to abandon the armed movement after realizing that they are fighting for a senseless struggle, they said.

Meanwhile, Batara said this peace advocacy program shows that the government is serious in giving the former rebels a chance to start a new and peaceful life.

He also assured that the Philippine Army will always support the former rebels not only through empowerment but by giving them security assistance as they return to the mainstream society.

"As we turn their dreams for a peaceful life into reality through E-CLIP, we are looking forward to more number of rebels not only in Iloilo but in whole Panay laying down their firearms to embrace peace and development,” Batara said. (PIA6/2Lt.SMCerna/CMO-61IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056020