Kalinaw News: Former Rebels Received Assistance from the Government

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 14, 2021): Former Rebels Received Assistance from the Government



Maco, Davao de Oro – A total of One Million Seven Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand Pesos was handed over by the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro to Forty-Five Former Rebels on July 14, 2021.

The amount is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the National Government to the former members of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) who chose to return to the folds of the law and live normally and peacefully with their respective families.

Twenty-Nine (29) Milisya ng Bayan received Fifteen Thousand (P15,000.00) pesos each and Fifteen (15) Regular NPAs who received Sixty-Five Thousand Pesos (P65,000.00) each while one FR received Three Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Pesos (P345,000.00) as remuneration to the firearms he surrendered. The assistance they received from the government is just a part of the package intended for them. Apart from it, they have also undergone basic skills and livelihood training that will surely help them live better lives as they reintegrate into mainstream society.

During the ceremony conducted at the Provincial Capitol, Nabunturan, DDO the FRs further pledged allegiance to the government and to support its endeavors towards attaining a just and lasting peace not only in Davao de Oro but in the whole nation.

In a statement, Brigadier General Luis Rex D Bergante, Commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade expressed his high hopes to end the Local Communist Armed Movement sooner than later due to the active participation of the stakeholders. He further encouraged the FR beneficiaries to help their former comrades who are still waging a futile struggle to surrender and return to the folds of the law. “What you received today, is one of your opportunities to start a new life. I encourage you to be the mouthpiece of the Government Program to help your former comrades to surrender. Let the better lives you enjoy today become the show-window that the Government is indeed sincere and committed to its mandate in looking after the welfare of its people.” Bergante said. He further encouraged the members of the CTGs to return to the folds of the law and to take advantage of the ECLIP, while its still there.

This proves that the government is sincere to its mandate to look after the welfare of its people. This further proves that collaboration and coordination amongst the stakeholders, the Whole-of-Nation and the Whole-of-Government approach are effective tools in Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebels-received-assistance-from-the-government/