70 former rebels get free housing in Bukidnon

BUKIDNON – Around 70 former rebels (FRs) who surrendered to the Eighth Infantry Battalion (8th IB), Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID), were among the beneficiaries of the housing project undertaken by the National Housing Authority (NHA) as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits here at Brgy. Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon on April 4.

Capt. Reggie Go, 4th ID spokesperson, said the NHA, in partnership with 8th IB and 403rd Brigade, conducted an orientation for the 70 FRs regarding the housing units that they will be receiving.

Go said the former rebels were given options whether to avail of the house and lot in Malaybalay City or be given a total amount of R450,000 for the renovation of their houses if they opt to stay in their places of origin prior to their involvement with the New People's Army (NPA).

He said, based on the directive issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), E-CLIP seeks to contribute towards achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups, and mainly focuses on the facilitation of the mainstreaming of ex-rebels and Militia ng Bayan (MB) as productive citizens.

"FRs and MBs are qualified to avail of the program, they will be entitled to safety and security guarantees, including relocation," he said.

Go said the E-CLIP provincial committee in Bukidnon, in partnership with the Task Force Balik Loob and the Army, was doing its best to reach out to other rebels in Bukidnon by delivering the promised services to those who have already surrendered, so that this could serve as a strong message to them that there would be life after they turn their backs on the NPA.