CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – 72 Former Rebels received their benefits during the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee Meeting held at Headquarters 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (H58IB) last March 17, 2021,
The E-CLIP Committee meeting was headed by E-CLIP Committee Chair, Hon. Yevgeny Vincente Emano, Provincial Governor of Misamis Oriental, represented by Hon. Dexter B. Yasay, Board Member.
The Committee meeting was also attended by Brig. Gen. Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the Armys 402nd Brigade, Police Col. Raniel M Valones the Provincial Director of Police Provincial Office in Misamis Oriental, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy the Commanding Officer of 58IB, Engr Marisia C. Naybe the DILG Provincial Director and other head of offices of ECLIP committee.
The meeting was very fruitful, as various members and representatives gave updates on the status of their projects and proposed projects to help the FRs. Among the issues addressed during the meeting were housing, livelihood assistance, employment, and access to government services, including the processing of birth/marriage certificates and acquisition of government identification cards.
The E-CLIP meeting highlight is the awarding of benefits which include financial assistance, Livelihood assistance and Firearms remuneration. The DSWD region 10 also turned oved hygiene kits to the Frs.
72 beneficiaries received cash ranging from Php15,000.00 to Php624,000.00, which will certainly assist them in starting a small business or buying property to improve their ways of life and contribute to community and nation-building. The recipients shared their appreciation to the government for continuing to be sincere in supporting those who had been victims of communist terrorist groups’ lies and deceit.
Alias Lakay an FR who received a total of Php624,000.00 said, “Nagapasalamat ko kay Presidente Duterte kay tungod sa iyang sakto na pamaagi, dili lang ako ang natagaan ug maayo nga kaugmahon, apil ang akong mga kauban, natagaan. Sa akong mga kaigsoonan, ayaw na mo palabi diha sa kalihukan. Kabalo man mo diha wa tay sakto na kanoon ug pirme lang ta ginapalakaw. Wala nay hinungdan ang atong kinabuhi diha. Sa kalihukan wala tay ugma. Mamatay ra ta na walay pulos.”
Meanwhile, Board Member Yasay said, “To live life as free as a bird. That is what we want for you. Ang pakigbisog dili na solusyon. Dili pud ta musugot na dili ni mahuman na hangtod ang atong mga anak na walay sala ang mga bata na wala pa mapanganak mao ra gihapon ang problem na gina-atubang. Naningkamot mi magplano ug maghunahuna kami tanan diri sa E-CLIP unsay pwede ikaambag para sa kahinluan sa matag usa. Among isiguro na tanang benepisyo na para sa inyo ug ilabi na sa panginabuhi inyo nang madawat. You will receive what is due to you. Each and every one is very much important and has a role to play for the development and progress of the country. Mapobre man ta madato, ma engineer, ma sibilyan, ma sundalo man ka pulis man ka, kitang tanan adunay dako kaayo na responsibilidad para sa kalambuan ug kalinaw sa atong probinsya.”
“Ang kalinaw dili na trabaho sa pulis ug sundalo lang. Ang kalambuan dili lang bulhaton sa mandato sa mga departamento sa gobyerno. Kundili ang kahusay, kalinaw, kalambuan, atong obligasyon nang tanan. Kinanghanglan ipakita nato ang atong pinaagi sa pagpaningkamot. Ug kami magpadayon sa paningkamot. Kitang tanan magtinabangay. Salamat gayod subli sa inyong pagsalig,” he added.
In his message, Brig. Gen. Licudine commended activities such as this as he recalled that “These former rebels had many reasons why they joined the armed group. Majority is because they had needs that were not addressed back then. After they’ve seen and realized that the government is sincerely working and reaching out to address their issues and concerns, many are returning now to the folds of law and these 72 FRs are living testimony of the sincere and genuine approach of the government in ending insurgency. Now that they’ve surrendered, they will get a taste of the new hope the government is offering freely to them.”
In addition, Lt. Col. Canatoy said, “When our brothers in the mountains see that the government’s commitment to deliver E-CLIP benefits continues to pursue, the remaining members of the NPA will surely surrender. Furthermore, the Army will continue to collaborate with other government agencies to help promote and expedite the delivery of benefits to former rebels.”
