31 former NPAs receive assistance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 1): 31 former NPAs receive assistance

About 31 former members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) received their cash assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in a ceremony held at the VIP Clubhouse, Davao del Norte Sports Complex, Tagum City yesterday.

Davao Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario spearheaded the distribution of cash assistance which totaled to P2,015,000.00. Heads of the different CLIP implementing agencies were also present to assist the former rebels in the next stage of implementation phase where they are to execute their respective integration and livelihood plans determined during the earlier phases of the program.

The activity was preceded by the regular Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting which was participated by the different line government agencies and city and municipal government units under the province of Davao Del Norte.

Among the highlights of the said meeting were the progresses made by the 1003rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in its ongoing campaign; its observance of and adherence to the ceasefire; and its role in the PNP’s intensified anti-illegal drugs and anti-crime campaign.

The CLIP is a government initiative that seeks to permanently and peacefully end all armed conflicts with armed groups.

The program includes the (1) facilitation of the mainstreaming of former CPP-NDF-NPA rebels into becoming productive citizens as well as the (2) compensation and remuneration of all turned-in firearms including those coming from surrendering members of the Militiang Bayan (local militia).

It is being implemented by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as lead agency with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the concerned local government units.

Custodial debriefing reports of surrendering rebels reveal that the GPH’s CLIP is among the significant factors they consider in why it is better to return to the folds of the law rather than continue in the NPA’s armed struggle.

The 31 former rebels (FRs) voluntarily submitted themselves and surrendered to the elements of 60th Infantry Battalion and 68th Infantry Battalion, both of 1003rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army. (Civil-Military Operations, 60th Infantry (MEDIATOR) Battalion, 10ID, PA)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591472707821/31-former-npas-receive-assistance