Government extends aid to ex-rebels in Negros Oriental

From the Sun Star-Dumaguete (Feb 16): Government extends aid to ex-rebels in Negros Oriental

NEGROS ORIENTAL -- A former member of the New People’s Army recently received livelihood and financial assistance amounting to P65,000 under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (Clip) from the Provincial Government here.

Former rebel Benandito Inoferio from Calango, Zamboanguita, accepted the check from Provincial Administrator Richard Enojo, along with Board Member Ikay Villanueva, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alice Lagarde, Marietta Jambora of Oriental Negros Children's Advocacy Network, and Colonel Leopoldo Galon of 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army during a Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting.

Clip is a peace building and social protection program for former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and National Democratic Front who have decided to abandon armed struggle, return to the folds of the law, and rejoin society.

Under the program, P15,000 is given as immediate assistance for mobilization expenses, while another P50,000 for livelihood assistance.

Meantime, the council is preparing a resolution for the Provincial Board's approval authorizing Governor Roel Degamo to receive P60.5 million from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp).

This amount is to fund the proposed projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program as part of the peace agreement with the Revolutionary Proletariat Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade(RPA-ABB)-Tabara Paduano Group.

It is said the initial proposed projects include construction of roads, water system, multi-purpose building and livelihood projects in Tanjay City and municipalities of Amlan and Sibulan.

Of the 727 armed members of the PPA-ABB, 58 are identified from Negros Oriental who have returned to the folds of the law.

The former rebels may be provided livelihood and employment opportunities for them to be able to integrate into the community and be transformed into productive citizens.
To fast-track the implementation of the Pamana projects, a resolution authorizing the governor is necessary for the release of the funds.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/dumaguete/local-news/2016/02/16/government-extends-aid-ex-rebels-negros-oriental-457554