NHA okays release of P1.9M aid to ex-NPA rebs in Bohol
AS part of its peace-building program, National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Joeben Tai approved the release of P1.9 million in financial assistance to former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bohol.
Representing GM Tai, NHA Regional Manager Engr. Hermes Jude D. Juntilo of the Regional Office of Region VII led the distribution of P100,000 cash aid to each of the 19 former rebels (FRs) on January 13, 2023, held at the Provincial Capitol of Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Joining Engr. Juntilo are Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, Department of National Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, and Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Allyson A. Depayso.
According to NHA Bohol District Officer-in-Charge Johndhel E. Gucor, the P1.9 million housing assistance fund released by the NHA is for the 19 former members of the NPA from the Municipalities of Alicia, Antequera, Calape, Carmen, Loon, Mabini, and Trinidad, all in Bohol, who have abandoned the armed struggle to improve their lives.
GM Tai, in his video-recorded message, said, “The NHA, with the support of other government agencies and the local government units, is an instrument to help Filipinos reach their dream of a peaceful and joyous life. We hope that the amount you received today can help you start anew for a better future for you and your family.”
The government has issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 10, creating the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). It aimed to reintegrate former rebels in their respective localities and to motivate members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), NPA, National Democratic Front (NDF), and other extremists to surrender to the government.
Under AO 10, the NHA issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2019-041, as amended by MC No. 2020-061, wherein FRs may avail of a ready-to-occupy housing unit, financial assistance of P450,000 for the construction of new houses, or P100,000 cash aid for the repair and renovation of their respective homes.
Last year, the NHA has distributed P1.6 million in housing assistance to 16 FRs from the Municipalities of Antequera, Calape, Catigbian, Guindulman, Loon, and Sevilla in Bohol.
