4 ex-rebels get 1- hectare farm each after Du30 visit

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela -- Four former rebels, who were presented to President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit to the province last Sept.18, received their Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) three days after, the Public Affairs Office of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division (5ID) said.

The four former rebels, who were from Isabela province, were only known as “Ka Mar,” “Ka Edgar,” “Ka Marco,” and “Ka Jane.”

They got one hectare of farmland each.

They have also been enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a government assistance given to former rebel fighters who surrender, lay down their arms, and return to the folds of the law.

Dept. of Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones led the distribution of the CLOA to the former rebels in simple rites here. Castriciones said the awarding of the land was part of the President's promise to the former rebels, when they were presented to him last week.

 The government is now perfecting the land titles and doing the land survey, the 5ID said.

But while waiting, the four will undergo series of training and seminars to equip them with skills on the new farming techniques.

They will also be given orientations and lectures to further make them aware of their rights and obligations under Republic Act 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

They will also be informed on other benefits they will receive as former rebels.

“It is true that if the different government agencies will converge, we will find a way to address the concerns and the plight of our constituents. We will win the war against the Communist-NPA-Terrorist by means of peaceful approach, such as this,” Castriciones said during the land distribution rites.

Brigadier Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, Commander of the 502nd Infantry Brigade, assisted Castriciones in the distribution of the land awards, on behalf of 5ID chief Major Gen. Perfecto Rimando Jr.

The 5ID, officially called the Star Division, is the Philippine Army's primary Infantry unit in Northern Luzon and specializes in anti-guerrilla warfare.

Bacarro said aside from the land awards, the E-CLIP assures livelihood for the former rebels to uplift their living conditions.

“We enjoin the remaining CPP-NPA members, who are still hiding in the countryside to return to the folds of the law," he said. "This is your chance to regain your lives ruined by false ideology. Our government is sincere to help you, and this awarding of Certificate of Land Ownership Award is a manifestation of this genuine concern.” -- PNA