CABANATUAN CITY – Some P2.5-million worth of cash assistance was distributed to 47 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels under the government’s “Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program” (E-CLIP) at the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) here on Friday.

The provincial government spearheaded the distribution of cash aid under Governor Aurelio M. Umali through the provincial social welfare office headed by Leoncio A. Daniel in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), NEPPO, and the Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID).

Each of the 47 beneficiaries received cash aid amounting to P15,000 to P65,000, which they could use to start a livelihood together with their families.

Also taking part in the activity were DILG Central Luzon Regional Director Karl Caesar Rimando; Atty. Ofelio A. Tactac Jr., Nueva Ecija DILG director; Brig.Gen. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, 703rd Brigade commander; and Lt. Col. Joseph Sta. Cruz, NEPPO deputy provincial director for operations.

Sta. Cruz said these former rebels received the cash grants after undergoing a “rigid” evaluation process based on the guidelines of E-CLIP and in line with the objectives of the Regional Task Force-To End the Local Communist Armed Conflict, which aims to reintegrate them back into the community.

“Ito ay patunay na ang pamahalan sa pamamagitan ng ating Pamahalaang Panlalawigan at security forces – PNP (Philippine National Police) at AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) ay malugod kayong tinatanggap at kinakalinga alang-alang sa kapayapan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan,” added Sta. Cruz.

For his part, 7th ID Commander Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo said he is hopeful that this event will serve as a “pathway” for other active rebels to see how the government is helping and supporting those who wish to embrace peaceful life alongside the government.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Steve A. Gosuico