TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Four rebel returnees from the different parts of the province recently received from concerned government agencies various forms of assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) for them to be gradually integrated with mainstream society.
The grant of the assistance was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the provincial government.
A rebel returnee from Dilag, Tabuk City received some PhP100,431.22 while his fellow returnee from New Tanglag, Tabuk City also received PhP153,538.06 that form their computed assistance from the program.
Further, a rebel returnee from Mabilong received PhP19,000 aid while his fellow returnee from Lubuagan town got PhP69,000 under the same government program.
Gov. James Edduba pointed out to the rebel returnees the importance of compassionate treatment for them as it will serve as a catalyst for the government to be able to convince more surrenderees and for them to be able to undergo rehabilitation.
He asserted the importance of having well planned livelihood projects for the rebel returnees as the government is capable of supporting former rebels wanting to go back to mainstream society for them to live peaceful lives beneficial to the welfare of their siblings in the future.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the police and military for their continuous dedication and sacrifices in the sustainable implementation of the government’s re-integration program that allowed the rebel returnees to avail of the available assistance for the welfare of their respective families.
He acknowledged that existing government programs are readily accessible for everyone that is why many civilians are now interested to join the uniformed service to help in securing the law and order in the communities and government service for them to be able to contribute in spurring rural development that will be beneficial to the welfare of the greater majority of the populace.
The provincial official urged the beneficiaries of the government assistance programs that they will be able to maximize the use of the aid and opportunity given to them to significantly improve their lives, help uplift the living condition of their families and be re-integrated to mainstream society.
For the past several months, many members of the News Peoples Army (NPA) are now giving up their arms and going back to mainstream society because of the reported difficulties they encounter while hiding in the mountains and fighting against the government forces that are going after them. By Dexter A. See
