CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – 15 former Rebels received their benefits during the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Awarding held at Headquarters 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion on January 27, 2022.
The benefits under E-CLIP that the FRs received are livelihood, immediate, reintegration assistance, and firearms remuneration. All are in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s advocacy of reintegrating the FRs back into mainstream society and helping them improve their living conditions.
15 beneficiaries received cash ranging from PHP15,000.00 to PHP916,000.00, which totaled Php2,392,000.00. This will certainly assist them in starting a small business or buying property to improve their way of life and contribute to community and nation-building. The recipients shared their appreciation of the government for continuing to be sincere in supporting those who had been victims of communist terrorist groups’ lies and deceit.
Alias Dino, a FR who received a total of Php981,000.00, expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders who worked together to help them return to mainstream society. “Nagapasalamat lang ko sa amahan sa nasod na si PRRD na iya gyong gihatagan, gibubo ang tabang labi na kanamong former rebels. Nagpasalamat pud kong dako kay Gov Emano. Walay hunong ang iyang pagtabang kanamo labi na usab sa tibuok probinsya niya, iyang mga sakop, gitabangan. Pasalamat usab ko’g dako sa 58IB nga nahimo nakong tulay nga nakabalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno. Labi na sa pagpanigkamot sa 58IB na makadawat ug grasya sa matag adlaw adlaw na panginahanglan labi na sa among pamilya. Nagpasalamat pud ko sa DSWD na mao usab nitabang kanamo. Salamat pud sa LGU na maoy dakong tabang diri sa amo kanunay. Gidasig pud nako ang akong kanhing mga kauban na unta mubalik na sila sa sabakan sa balaod aron ila usab matagamtaman ang among nasinati ug among nadawat na mga benepisyo. Nia na diri ang tinuod na gobyerno ug sa makausa pa, daghan kaayong salamat.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Meraluna Salvaleon-Abrogar said, “I want to express my gratitude to 15 of you here today because you have been an important part of helping Claveria prosper.” When it comes to insurgency, whenever they hear about our municipality, Claveria, people will immediately respond, “There are a lot of NPAs out there.” However, in recent years, I have witnessed the government force, the army, and various agencies working together to address the insurgency problem. So, thank you for making the decision to return to the folds of the law. You have played a significant role in the growth of Claveria. Congratulations to each and every one of us. “
BM Dexter B. Yasay thanked the 58IB and former rebels as stakeholders in the province in his message, saying, “We are grateful to the men and women of 58IB, especially you FRs, on behalf of Governor Emano. We hope and pray that you will persuade many more of your former comrades to understand that they should not return simply because the government promised them something. The most important thing, however, is that we must live in peace. In addition, we must make the Philippines livable. “I hope we are not among those who have lost interest in our society’s future. “
Furthermore, Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, Commanding Officer, 58IB, reaffirms the anti-insurgency campaign’s viability through such activities. “I’m overjoyed that, after months of anticipation, the time has finally arrived for us to deliver what we promised as a team. Thank you to our FRs for patiently waiting and believing that the government would deliver on its promises. I’m glad you never gave up hope, that you trusted the government program, and that you continued to persuade your comrades to surrender.”
“I’d like to thank Gov. Bambi Emano’s team, as well as Mayor Abrogar’s, for taking such good care of our former rebels. We understand that due to the pandemic, these benefits will not be available immediately, but we appreciate your continued support, so thank you very much,” Lt. Col Canatoy ended.
The awarding was headed by E-CLIP Committee Chair, Hon. Yevgeny Vincente Emano, Provincial Governor of Misamis Oriental, represented by Hon. Dexter B. Yasay, Board Member, together with Hon. Meraluna Salvaleon-Abrogar, Municipal Mayor, Claveria, Engr. Marisia C. Naybe, Provincial Director, DILG MisOr, and Sir Jhunleymar Abella, Head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development.
