Army pushes more funds for Kalinga rebel surrenderees

TABUK CITY, Kalinga --  The Armed Forces of the Philippines proposed a Kalinga peace program for former rebels to replace the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) that will terminate on Oct 25.

Lt. Col. Guliver Señires, commanding officer of 50th Infantry Battalion said  the Kalinga Local Integration Program (KLIP) aims to convince New People’s Army surrenderees toive normal lives. 

The proposed program will apply to local NPA regulars operating in Kalinga province, their auxiliaries (Milisyang Bayan), and local “Party Branch” core members who surface on or after Oct. 25.

Program components include immediate assistance of P15,000; livelihood assistance of P 35,000 and remuneration for surrendered firearms, explosives and ammos.

              A squad leader and at least nine members will receive P1 million seed capital; a platoon leader and at least 18 members – P2 million; Kilusang Larangan Gerilya and at least 36 members – P5 million; individual assistance – P15,000 and remuneration of FAs, explosives and ammos as additional seed capital of the group.

 For Milisyang Bayan members, each will be entitled to P10,000.00 livelihood assistance; remuneration of FAs, explosives and ammos,  “Milisyang Bayan” or core Party Branch member; cooperative seed capital of not more than P 50,000 in cash/goods for leader and core members of a defunct Party Branch; accommodation in resettlement areas; livelihood training and skills development; job placement; educational assistance; provision of health insurance; travel assistance; access to basic social services; and programs for women and children.

 Señires said a facilitator as a peace advocate is also proposed to receive P10,000 for assisting the return of a rebel/militia with firearm and P5,000 for assisting return of a rebel/militia without firearms.

 For the proposal to materialize, it should be included in the Provincial Annual Investment Plan, must have convergence of effort and pooling of resources and support of stakeholders to the program, and passage of provincial ordinance for KLIP, Señires said. – PIA-Kalinga