74 ex-NPA rebels benefit from P4.8-M E-CLIP aid

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – At least 74 former communist rebels in Bukidnon province received P4.8 million worth of financial and livelihood assistance on Thursday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Northern Mindanao (DILG-10) said.

In a statement, the DILG-10 said the distribution is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), coordinated with the provincial government and the Philippine Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade.

"The financial package includes food packs and surrendered firearms remuneration, which Governor Rogelio Neil Roque facilitated," the agency said.

Earlier, DILG-10 Assistant Director Yvette Tolentino Sunga said the series of E-CLIP recipients in the region encouraged more rebels to leave the life of insurgency to start a new and better life for themselves and their families.

"We want our former rebels to ensure that the benefits they are receiving from the government will mainstream back to the society. Hopefully, they will live normal lives and be productive citizens in their communities," Sunga said.

E-CLIP aims to encourage members of rebel groups to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society. The program seeks to address the root causes of insurgency and promote sustainable peace and development. (PNA)