Php 2.5M aid released to former rebels
Financial aid amounting to Php 2.5 Million was recently released to former rebels. The fund, released by the Department of Interior and Local Government – Bukidnon office through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), is supposedly part of the government’s efforts towards ending local communist armed conflicts.
A total of 67 former rebels received financial assistance. The Php 2.5 Million comprised of Livelihood Assistance, Immediate Assistance and Firearm Remunerationand Reintegration Assistance.
According to DILG, the former rebels’ needs will be identified and collaboration with various government agencies will be conducted. For instance, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry trainings may be tapped as well as see if the former rebels can avail of housing from the National Housing Authority.
E-CLIP provides a complete package of assistance to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and National Democratic Front (NDF), as well as their family members, who have surrendered to the government to abandon armed struggle and become productive members of the society. (with a report from the PIA, photo from DILG X)
