Default Thumbnail

DILG welcomes 50 former rebels back to gov’t fold

August 4, 2022 Jun I. Legaspi 247 views

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) welcomed the surrender of 50 former communist rebels in Region 10.

DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. led the oath of allegiance of 50 former combatants from the New People’s Army (NPA) and Militia ng Bayan (MB) as they swore to leave the communist armed rebellion and turn a “new leaf” as peaceful, productive Filipino citizens.

“Tandaan ninyo, sa mga sumuko sa gobyerno, we will make sure na hindi kayo magsisisi. Mahal na mahal namin kayo. Ngayong sumuko na kayo, ang pinaka-importante ay hindi ang pagsurrender ng baril. Ang pinaka-importante ay ito: sa mga susunod na araw ay maaalalayan sila [former rebels] ng gobyerno. Hindi ninyo kailangan ilagay ang batas sa inyong kamay,” said Abalos.

The former rebels received a total of P13.8-million worth of assistance and firearm remuneration under the “Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program” (ECLIP) of the government.

A total of 183 surrendered firearms were demilitarized during the ceremony. Of the surrendered firearms, 160 came from Bukidnon Province, five from Lanao del Norte, six from Misamis Oriental, and 12 from the Cagayan de Oro City.

“Sa pamumuno ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, mayroon kayong gobyernong hindi lamang nakikinig sa inyong problema, kundi gumagawa din ng aksyon. At kung magkakasama tayo sa pagpapatupad ng mga programang ito, hindi tayo magkakamali,” said Abalos.

Abalos echoed the call of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s for unity during the formal ceremony.

“Tandaan ninyo, a republic that is one is a nation that is one. Sama-sama tayong babangon muli,” said Abalos

Qualified E-CLIP beneficiaries are entitled to receive cash assistance like P50,000 livelihood assistance, P15,000 for mobilization expenses, and firearms remuneration amounting to the value of the surrendered firearms.

The E-CLIP aims to “incentivize” the surrender and help reintegrate former members of the NPA and MB as part of the government’s anti-insurgency and terrorism campaign.

The E-CLIP is a flagship program of the previous administration that the present administration plans to continue.

According to Abalos, the Marcos administration targets to reach far-flung barangays to solve the root causes of insurgency in the country.

“Bababa tayo sa pinaka-ugat ng puno. Bababa tayo sa mga barangay. Magtutulungan tayong lahat,” said Abalos.

AUTHOR PROFILE