Lorenzana urges public to support anti-Red program, returnees

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20, 2021): Lorenzana urges public to support anti-Red program, returnees (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday urged the public to support the government’s anti-insurgency program and give surrendering rebels a chance to return to their communities and live peaceful and productive lives with their loved ones.

“These former young rebels can be given another chance to have regular lives, a life where they do not need to run and hide. It’s never too late to have a change of heart and return to the fold of the law,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

He added that so long as these surrendering rebels are clear with their intentions, they should be greeted warmly for their efforts to rejoin mainstream society.

“As long as they are sincere with their intentions, let us welcome these rebels back and laud them for upholding the rule of law. Masaya ako na matapang silang nag-desisyon na magbalik-loob (I am happy with their bold decision to return to the fold of the law),” Lorenzana said.

Under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) coordinated by the Inter-Agency Task Force Balik-Loob, former rebels and former violent extremists are eligible to receive benefits and services from various government agencies to assist them as they return to mainstream society.

These include financial and livelihood assistance, as well as psychosocial and legal support.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131299