56 former rebels receive E-CLIP benefits in AgSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6, 2020): 56 former rebels receive E-CLIP benefits in AgSur (By 26th Infantry Battalion, PA)

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 6 – Fifty-six (56) former rebels (FRs) from the province of Agusan del Sur received benefits during the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Awarding held recently at the Naliyagan Ground, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, this province.

The province awarded livelihood assistance amounting to P50,000.00, immediate assistance of P15,000.00 and firearms remuneration to the 31 FRs of 3rd Special Forces Battalion, 26 FRs of 26 Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, three FRs of Philippine National Police and one FR of 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade.

“Dako kaayo among pasalamat kay tinood gayud ang gisaad kanamu nga kami pagatabangan sa gobyerno alang sa among pagsugod sa bag-ong kinabuhi nga gawasnon kauban ang among pamilya, kining maong kantidad daku na kini ug ikatabang aron kami maka tukod sa among panginabuhian diri patag uban ang among pamilya, ug ako naga agni sa among kanhi kaubanan nga anaa pa sa kabukiran nga musurender na aron makabaton usan kamu ug kalinaw sa pag puyo uban ang inyong mga mahal sa kinabuhi (We are very thankful that the government has been true to its promise to us, as we will start a new life with our family in the mainstream society. This financial assistance is of great help for our family, and I’m encouraging those who are still in the movement to surrender and live a peaceful dwelling)," said alias ‘Jorja’, a former rebel.

E-CLIP is a government program intended for the re-integration of all members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) who will support the peace negotiation program of the government and ultimately lay down their arms to the fold of law. It was made possible through the generous support of Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago B. Cane Jr. in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

"The pandemic has brought huge changes in our lives, it affects every Filipino, but the provincial government will not cease to look for innovation and initiatives to implement the government programs to all our constituents especially to our brothers and sisters who have decided to choose the right path in the mainstream society,” underscored Cane.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB cheered all the FRs upon receiving the E-CLIP benefits. "Congratulations to all of you who have just received the livelihood and immediate assistance from the government. I hope that you will be wise in spending all of your money, start a business and earn a living. The government is always ready to help you, but first, you must help yourselves,” he said.

"Our door remains open in accepting those who want to live a peaceful life. We are offering you a way out to surrender but if you continue to resist, I will assure you that the government will stop you until no one is left in the armed struggle,” Goce ended. (2Lt. Cecille Tappa, acting CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1063131