Kalinaw News: 23rd IB enrolls 16 new FRs to ECLIP

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 29, 2020): 23rd IB enrolls 16 new FRs to ECLIP

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – A total of sixteen (16) former combatants of the Communist New People’ Army Terrorist (CNT) in the province of Agusan del Norte was recently enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government facilitated by the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion with the support of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Agusan del Norte last October 26, 2020 at the unit’s headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista town.

The enrollment process includes the profiling of the sixteen (16) FRs and the gathering of pertinent information and documentation. Their enrollment is in accordance with the unified efforts of all government agencies and stakeholders to end the local communist armed conflicts in the different communities of Agusan del Norte. The program is also based on the provisions of Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

ECLIP is the government’s response to the need of former combatants of the CNT who decided to abandon the rotten ideology of the communist movement in the country. The program, which is all-inclusive in nature, also benefits the families of the FRs to help them renew their lives once they are reintegrated into their respective communities.

Also, during the activity, the 23rd IB and the PSWDO distributed food packs to all the FRs presently staying at the halfway house called “Happy Home” inside the unit’s headquarters. A total of thirty-six (36) FRs received their 4th quarter food support during the activity.

The regular provision of food allowance lets the FRs meet the daily needs of their families as they strive to improve their economic conditions. The food allowance also ensures the nourishment of their children, most of whom have suffered malnutrition when left behind by parents upon joining the communist movement.

Alias “Maria Luz” is among the thirty-six ( 36) FRs who received the regular provision of food packs and other basic needs during the activity last Monday.

“Wala gyod ko nagmahay nga nibalik ko sa atong gobyerno. Kining among nadawat karon dako kaayo ni sya nga tabang kanamo hilabi na karon nga panahon nga nagkalisod ang mga tawo panahon sa pandemya,” Maria Luz said.

She added: “Salamat kaayo sa PSWD ug sa 23rd IB kay gitagaan kami ninyo og pagtagad hilabi na sa among mga panghinanglanon. Nanghinaut usab ako nga makit- an sa kanhi namo kaubanan ang kayo nga among nadawat sukad kami mibalik sa sabakan sa panggamhanan. Ako kamong giawhag nga biyae na ninyo ang kalihukang terorista sa CPP-NPA. Balik na kamo sa gobyerno aron makauban usab ang inyong pamilya,” Maria Luz said.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commanding Officer of 23rd IB expressed gratitude to the PSWDO for the unending support to the FRs in the province.

“The PSWDO is among the active partners of the 23rd IB in implementing the provisions of EO 70 in Agusan del Norte. Your constant presence in all the activities on the unit gives the FRs hope and faith that tells them to continue because a bright future is waiting for them,” Paulo said. He added that the synergy of the 23rd IB and PSWDO brings positive impacts into the lives of the FRs that will persuade more CNT members to lay down their arms.

Furthermore, the 23rd IB Commander once again called for the CNTs to leave the communist movement. “I call on the remaining members and supporters of the CNTs to abandon the armed struggle. Go back to your family and to the folds of the law to live normally and peacefully. Your soldiers are always willing to help and assist you to avail the E-CLIP program of the government,” Paulo said.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/23rd-ib-enrolls-16-new-frs-to-eclip/