Return to fold of law, DILG urges remaining rebels in W. Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 1, 2024): Return to fold of law, DILG urges remaining rebels in W. Visayas (By Perla Lena)

RETURN TO THE FOLD. Department of the Interior and Local Government Western Visayas Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero on Thursday (August 1, 2024) appeals to the remaining rebels to surrender and avail of benefits provided by the government. He said more benefits await those who surrender, especially under the enhanced comprehensive local integration program. (PNA file photo by Perla G. Lena)

ILOILO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Western Visayas on Thursday urged remaining rebels to return to the fold of the law and avail of benefits provided under the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-CLIP).

“I am appealing for you (rebels) to return to the government, which is ready to help you go back to your normal or even better lives,” DILG Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said during an interview, adding that the government is ready to guide and help them.

He said under the whole-of-government approach, more benefits await those who return to the fold, especially under the E-CLIP.

Before, he said the government only extended cash aid and remuneration for the firearms that the rebels surrendered.

Under the E-CLIP, in addition to cash aid and remuneration for firearms, government agencies identify their needs that should be addressed.

These include housing under the National Housing Authority when available, employment through the Department of Labor and Employment, skills and livelihood training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and financial aid from the local government, among others.

“All concerned agencies will have a project under the E-CLIP because that is what we have agreed in the Peace and Order Council,” Ingeniero said.

The DILG, which serves as the secretariat of the council, monitors the provision of assistance.

To date, DILG data showed that 475 former rebels operating in the region have surrendered since 2019: 101 in 2019; 45 in 2020; 78 in 2021; 54 in 2022; 107 in 2023; and 90 as of the first semester of this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230257