8 former rebels receive livelihood, financial assistance in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 28): 8 former rebels receive livelihood, financial assistance in SurSur

The Provincial Comprehensive Local Integration Program Committee of Surigao del Sur headed by Governor Johnny Pimentel successfully conducted the awarding of CLIP benefits (livelihood assistance and immediate cash assistance) to eight Former Rebels (FRs) held on Monday, Apr. 25, 2016 at the pacific conference room, Villa Maria Louisa Hotel, this city.

The CLIP awarding is the third batch conducted for the year 2016 in the 402nd Brigade area of operation.

Around 57 FRs from lawless New Peoples’ Army (NPA) Guerilla under North Eastern Regional Committee (NEMRC) received assistance from the CLIP program.

A total of ₱65,000.00 each (₱50,000.00 livelihood assistance and ₱15,000.00 immediate cash assistance) was given per beneficiary aside from the ₱5,000.00 incentive from the provincial government.

In Surigao del Sur, the CLIP committee has awarded around ₱3.9 million for the 57 FRs composing the three batches of surrenders for the year 2016.

The influx of NPA surrenders in the province is a result of the negotiation efforts of the Bayanihan Teams, local government units, tribal leaders and other stakeholders in the province.

Massive information awareness campaign through pulong-pulong, radio and TV program has also contributed to the surrender of the CPP/NPA bandits.

On the other hand, the eight FRs had also surrendered six high powered and two low powered firearms which will be paid through Firearms and Explosive Remuneration under the CLIP programs as additional benefits.

Likewise, they will undergo skills trainings and seminars as intervention by different government agencies to ensure readiness in their return to mainstream society.

Moreover, the committee had agreed and identified ways to improve the CLIP process and possible location of the half-way house for rebel returnees.

The CLIP benefits for the fourth batch of NPA surrender is on process and the CLIP committee is expecting influx of surrenders.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741461742305/8-former-rebels-receive-livelihood-financial-assistance-in-sursur