P1.3-M cash aid released to 18 former rebels in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2023): P1.3-M cash aid released to 18 former rebels in Sorsogon (By Connie Calipay)

CASH GRANT. Former rebels (right) receive cash grants from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) personnel through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) at the Sorsogon Provincial Capitol on Aug. 4, 2023. Of the 18 former rebels, 10 were regular members of the New People's Army (NPA) while eight were members of the Militia ng Bayan who surrendered in 2021. (Photo courtesy of 903rd Infantry Brigade, PA)

LEGAZPI CITY – Eighteen former rebels in Sorsogon province recently received almost PHP1.3 million in cash assistance under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

In an interview on Tuesday, 1Lt. Richelle Arambuyong, Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, said the aid was distributed in a simple ceremony at the Sorsogon Provincial Capitol last Aug. 4.

"Of the 18 former rebels, 10 were regular members of the New People's Army (NPA) while eight were members of the rebel group's Militia ng Bayan who surrendered in 2021," Arambuyong said.

She said the rebels received immediate assistance amounting to PHP270,000; livelihood assistance, PHP500,000; firearms remuneration, PHP144,000 and reintegration assistance, PHP378,000.

Arambuyong said the assistance would help the former rebels start a new life.

In a statement, 903rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Aldwine Almase, thanked the 18 former rebels for their decision to return to mainstream society.

"We will also continue to encourage the remaining rebels to abandon the armed struggle, return to the folds of the law and start over with a peaceful and productive life together with their loved ones," Almase said.

The distribution activity was attended by government officials from the 903rd Infantry Brigade, 31st Infantry Battalion, and 22nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), provincial government of Sorsogon and civil society organization representatives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207403