CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental. – Twenty-five Former Rebels (FRs) received cash assistance amounting to P2.5 Million under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) during the ECLIP Awarding Ceremony at the Halfway House, Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental on Monday, October 10.
Every FR received P15,000 immediate assistance, P50,000 livelihood assistance and P21,000 reintegration assistance and firearms remuneration for each firearm surrenderer. The total amount of cash assistance awarded reached P2.5 Million.
These FRs were part of the second batch of this year’s E-CLIP grants. This is a government program that aims to assist rebels who have surrendered to the government and further reintegrate into the mainstream society. To recall, the 25 FRs participated in the Balik-Loob Program, which includes series of psychosocial activities and deradicalization procedures to assist them in rectifying their radical and twisted ideology. Included in their training were seminar on financial literacy and other livelihood trainings like coffee brewing and table skirting facilitated by TESDA and DTI.
Engr Marisia C Naybe, Provincial Director, DILG Misamis Oriental, led the ceremonial awarding and check distribution to Former Rebels, assisted by Mr Jhunleymar D Abella, PSWDO, PCol Gonzalo C Villamor Jr, Officer-In-Charge, MORPPO and Ltc Christian C Uy, Commanding Officer, 58IB.
“We, the government representatives present today to witness your beginning of a new life of peace, prosperity, and happiness, pray that GOD be with you always to guide you, keep you safe, and give you good health on your road to a life of peace and prosperity. Please keep in mind that we are the true government that will care for you; all you have to do is talk to us so that we can help you.” Engr Naybe added.
The government has reached out to marginalized communities in remote barangays. Roads and bridges were constructed as part of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) projects to provide additional social services.
She also encouraged these former insurgents to spread the news about the government and, eventually, return to the folds of the law.
