Ex-Nueva Ecija rebs receive financial aid

SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija -- The Department of Interior and Local Government of Nueva Ecija in coordination with the Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion distributed checks to former rebels as part of its 9th founding anniversary celebration in Nueva Ecija last week.

The distribution of checks was held at Sitio Junior Campo, Barangay  Sto Niño 2nd, San Jose City.

Two former rebels received the amount of P65,000 each as part of their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits.

The financial aid included P15,000 as immediate cash assistance and P50,000 as livelihood assistance.

The 84th IB celebrated their 9th anniversary with the theme: “Victorious Troopers: Stronger, Bolder and Better at Nine” that featured a week-long celebration commemorating the unit’s success in various fields of endeavors.

One of its highlights was the distribution of immediate and livelihood assistance to the two former rebels from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija who voluntarily surrendered to the folds of the law on December 8, 2018.

The surrenderees declared  allegiance to the government. “You can count on us that we will continue to perform our duty in serving the people and securing the communities within our area of responsibility to the best of our abilities. It has and always been our mandated task” Lt. Col. George M. Bergonia, the Commander of the 84th IB, said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Lenard T Agustin, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, extended his greetings to the Victorious Troopers and he also commended the unit’s efforts in protecting the people and the community within its area of responsibility.

He also encouraged the rebels to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.

“I would also like to thank the LGUs and other agencies who were involved in the awarding of E-CLIP benefits to the former rebels. Let us continue to be of service to the people most especially to those who were deceived by the CTGs,” Agustin said.

Colonel Rowen A, Tolentino, the Commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, said that the immediate and livelihood assistance will greatly help the families of former rebels in starting a new and peaceful life away from the armed struggle.