Ex-rebel gets PHP2.3-M for seizure of 31 firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8, 2024): Ex-rebel gets PHP2.3-M for seizure of 31 firearms (By Jesse Maguiya)

REMUNERATION. A former rebel who led government forces to the arms cache of 31 high-powered firearms received on Monday (Oct. 7, 2024) PHP2.3 million under the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program of the government in Kalinga province. The program aims to encourage rebels and combatants to surrender. (Contributed photo/Jesse Maguiya)

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and her spouse received PHP2.3 million from the government on Monday as remuneration for information that led to the seizure of 31 high powered firearms.

Alias "Sayap" was rewarded for providing information that led to the seizure of 31 high powered firearms in Barangay Gueday, Besao, Mountain Province.

The remuneration is under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Of the total firearms, 29 were monetized while two have pending valuations. Each were valued between PHP50,000 and PHP80,000.

In a press briefing at the capitol, Kalinga Governor and ECLIP Chairperson James Edduba handed over the financial package to “Sayap," a rebel for 35 years.

“He voluntarily surrendered and later provided the information to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Many of the firearms recovered were machine guns,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Romualdo Raymund Landingin, commander of the AFP 503rd Infantry Brigade, said in the same press conference that at least 50 more NPA members in Kalinga are interested in surrendering.

“They are, however concerned of the legal cases and security, which are reasons that are holding them back,” he said.

Landingin stressed that returning rebels will receive security and assistance under the Firearm Remuneration and Demilitarization Program.

DILG-Cordillera Assistant Director Ruperto Maribay Jr. said the successful negotiation took nearly a year to finalize.

He said the former rebel will receive additional benefits under the ECLIP program like education assistance for his three children in college, housing assistance and livelihood package.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1234985