Rebel returnee receives P65-K grant
A FORMER Rebel (FR) in the Cordillera received P65,000 cash assistance and benefits through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
The ECLIP is a program for former rebels and members of the Militia ng Bayan who decided to abandon armed struggle in order to return to the fold of law.
This is to facilitate former rebels in the reintegration to civilian life and to become productive and law-abiding members of society.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) administered package under ECLIP includes
Immediate Assistance (P15,000), livelihood assistance (P50,000), and firearm remuneration (double the cost valuation of the firearm).
A reintegration assistance (P21,000) is also included to cover administrative expenses. Additionally, FRs can also qualify for a house and lot or a housing grant from the National Housing Authority (NHA) amounting to as much as P450,000.
“It is the earnest effort of the government to welcome back our brothers and sisters who wish to return back to society for a peaceful life. Our concept of peace would include
embracing the values that are important in our hearts, that is, integrity, excellence through government service, transparency, and accountability,” DILG-CAR Regional Director Marlo Iringan said firmly.
Brig. Gen. Henry Doyaoen, Commanding Officer of the 503rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, advised citizens to voice out criticisms that are constructive and would benefit the country.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. R’win Pagkalinawan, regional director of the Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PRO - COR), also encouraged citizens to seek the support of the government instead of rebel groups in order to advance certain advocacies.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalongalso added, “there will come a time when we will have to make a choice to support the government and to advocate for peace. Let’s start a dialogue”.
To date, 188 FRs in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have benefitted from the ECLIP with 124 from the Militia ng Bayan and 64 from the New People’s Army (NPA).
A total of P15,160,000 DILG-administered financial assistance has already been awarded to these FRs.
Other government agencies such as the Department of Justice( DOJ), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units (LGUs) also provide assistance for FRs.