Former rebels get E-CLIP benefits worth P589K

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 15, 2020): Former rebels get E-CLIP benefits worth P589K (By Lilibeth A. French)

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 14 (PIA) - - Seven former rebels (FRs) from the municipalities of Tubungan, Janiuay and Calinog in Iloilo province have been added to the recipients of package of benefits and assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The FRs who are former members of the New People’s Army received a total of P589,000.00 worth of immediate cash and livelihood assistance and renumeration for the firearms they turned over through E-CLIP amid COVID-19 situation in the country.

Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., Chairperson of the E-CLIP Committee, led the distribution of the package of assistance to FRs in a simple ceremony which was witnessed by DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay, Iloilo Police Provincial Office Director Gilbert Gorero, Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara and representatives of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Civil Society Organization on October 12 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Each of the five FRs got P65,000.00 that include P15,000.00 immediate cash assistance and P50,000.00 to fund their identified livelihood projects.

On the other hand, two FRs received a total of P264,000.00 for the firearms they turned over to the Armed Force of the Philippines. The firearms that include 0.38 caliber revolver, .30 caliber rifle, 7.62 mm Springfield carbine and 5.56 mm M1GA1 Colt Rifle were presented to the Philippine National Police during the ceremony.

DILG Iloilo E-CLIP Focal Person and LGOO II Dolyn Jane Palcia said the FRs will get twice the amount according to the assessed value of the firearm they surrendered through the program.

Palcia said two more rebels surrendered to the government and are processing their papers to avail of the E-CLIP that ensures them and their respective families assistance as they reintegrate into the mainstream of society. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056116