7 ex-rebels receive ECLIP cash aid

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — Seven former rebels from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija received last Friday financial assistance as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) held at the Old Capitol, Cabanatuan City.

The seven former rebels who surrendered to Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division last June received a total amount of R355,000.

Each former rebel received checks ranging from R15,000 to R65,000. The financial assistance is one of the many benefits and privileges entitled to former rebels who will surrender and get back to the folds of the law.

A short program was held at the Old Capitol which was attended by Colonel Rowen S. Tolentino, Commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade.

Representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Local Government Unit headed by the Office of the Governor of Nueva Ecija, were also present.

Major General Felimon T. Santos Jr., the commander of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, expressed his appreciation to the Local Government of Nueva Ecija and other local government agencies for the immediate action taken in processing the benefits of the former rebels.

He also said that the distribution of checks is proof that the government is sincere in its program in countering insurgency. (With a report from Freddie G. Lazaro)