HELP FOR EX-REBELS. Twenty-one former rebels receive livelihood starter kits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in a simple ceremony held at the 91st Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Baler, Aurora on Monday (June 29, 2020). The move was in line with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to capacitate and support the former rebels in going back to mainstream society and become productive citizens. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion)
BALER, Aurora – A total of 21 former rebels who voluntarily surrendered to authorities received livelihood starter kits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday.
The move was in line with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to capacitate and support former rebels in going back to mainstream society and becoming productive citizens.
The giving of livelihood assistance with a total worth of PHP110,000 was facilitated by DTI-Aurora Provincial Director Edna Dizon.
Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, said the awarding of livelihood starter kits to the former rebels was held at the 91IB headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan.
Rubio said 15 former rebels received a total of 500 heads of broiler chicks with feeds and vitamins, four received vegetable seedlings and four sacks of fertilizers, one received an E-load business, and the other a “balut” (fertilized duck egg) business.
The former rebels expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude for the full support of the Sinagtala troopers, DTI, and other government agencies.
One of them, "Ka Olga", said the assistance was a gift from God and the government as it would give them an opportunity to return to the mainstream society and live peacefully.
“Malaking tulong po ito sa katulad naming nagnanais na makapagbagong buhay. Salamat po sa pagmamahal sa katulad naming naligaw ng landas at ngayon ay naghahangad ng pagbabago kasama ang aking mga kasamahan (This is a great help to those like us who are desiring to change lives. Thank you for loving those of us who were misguided and now are seeking change together with my colleagues),” the former rebel said.
Meanwhile, Rubio assured that his unit will continue to support the former rebels, in coordination and collaboration with different government agencies.
“These livelihood kits symbolize a good start of building your future. I am very thankful that our partner agencies did their part and shared their resources in support of the implementation of End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC),” he said.
Col. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, lauded the unwavering support of 91IB to former rebels, whom he said, were victims of the propaganda lies of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
“I also appreciated the support of DTI, local government units, and other government agencies for all the assistance and support extended to the former rebels,” Costelo said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107447
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