DILG allots P231K reintegration assistance to former rebels

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has allocated P231,000 worth of reintegra- tion assistance to 11 former rebels who surrendered to the authorities last year.

Dilg-negros Occidental director Carmelo Orbista yesterday led the distribution of assistance which was received by Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (Ibde) of the Philippine Army; Major Udgie Villan, acting commander of the Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion; and Lieutenant Egberto Dacoscos, commander of 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Part of the amount was to process the claims of the said armed rebels. One of them was a woman.

Also, Arevalo said the DILG assistance will aid the unit in the accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses of the surrenderers while being taken cared of by the authorities.

This is in preparation for the processing of claims in connection with the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-clip) of the government for the former rebels, he added.

The army commander said the surrenderers will also receive P65,000 each for their livelihood assistance.

An additional P50,000 will be given to them for the firearms they surrendered, he added.

It only proves that the government is serious in taking back former rebels, he said.

He is hoping that more rebels will be enticed to return to the fold of law and have a normal life.*