CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte— One hundred fourteen former rebels (FRs) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTGs) who decided to surrender have received the financial assistance promised by the government through its Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) on July 01, 2022, at Hotel Oasis, Butuan City.
Among the 114 E-CLIP beneficiaries, 6 FRs surrendered to the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion, which is under the leadership of Col. Jason M. Saldua. Each of them received a total of PHP 65,000 for livelihood and immediate assistance, plus an additional amount for firearms remuneration, which was awarded by the Department of Interior and Local Government-Agusan Del Norte headed by the Provincial Governor, Hon Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba and 2nd District Representative of Agusan del Norte, Hon Dale B. Corvera.
Meanwhile, Danilo Falco, one of the FRs who received the E-CLIP assistance, expressed his gratitude to the government for all the assistance accorded to them so that they may live peacefully with their loved ones and be able to go back to mainstream society. In his statement, “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa tanang ahensya sa gobyerno nga mitabang kanako. Pinaagi niining E-CLIP nahatagan ako ug paglaum ug higayon nga mabuhing malinawon kauban ang akong mga minahal sa kinabuhi. Makatilaw na kanunay ug lami nga pagkaon akong anak ug dili na mamroblema akong asawa nga magtago mi para sa among seguridad. Isa pud sa akong ginapasalamat ug dako karon kay nasundalo na ko para sa tarong nga gobyerno“(I am really thankful to all the agencies of the government who helped me. Through this ECLIP I was given a chance and hope to live peacefully with the people I love. My son can now eat delicious food and my wife will no longer worry about having to hide for our security. Also, I am really thankful that I became a soldier for the right government.)
Col. Jason M. Saldua, Commanding Officer of 29IB, said, “I am deeply grateful and happy to see how mindful the government is of its people, especially in fulfilling its promise to help those former rebels who have once lost their way but have now found their way back. This Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government is truly a blessing to our brothers and sisters who are now willing to change for the better.”
“So, to all other rebels who are still doubting and having second thoughts about surrendering, cast away your doubts and beliefs. The troops of 29IB will be here to assist and help you as you surrender. Lay down your arms now and experience a new life with your family like these fellow surrenders. Truly, there is hope for every rebel who desires to change and live a normal life,” Col. Saldua added.
