P15-M awarded to ex-Cordillera communist rebs

BAGUIO CITY -- A former rebel in the Cordillera received a total of P65,000 cash assistance and benefits through the government’s enhanced comprehensive local integration program (ECLIP) during a recent program here.

The former rebel, whose name was not disclosed for security reasons was one among 188 FRs in the Cordillera Administrative Region who benefitted from the ECLIP with 124 from the Militia ng Bayan and 64 from the New People’s Army.

A total of P15,160,000 DILG-administered financial assistance has already been awarded to FRs in the Cordillera.

The ECLIP is a program for former rebels and members of the Militia ng Bayan who abandoned armed struggle and reintegrate into society as civilians.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - administered package under ECLIP includes immediate assistance worth P15,000, livelihood worth P50,000 and firearm remuneration which is double the cost of the firearm).

A reintegration assistance of P21,000 is also included to cover administrative expenses.

FRs can also qualify for a house and lot or a housing grant from the National Housing Authority (NHA) amounting to P450,000.

“It is the earnest effort of the government to welcome back our brothers and sisters who wish to return back to society for a peaceful life. Our concept of peace would include embracing the values that are important in our hearts, that is, integrity, excellence through government service, transparency, and accountability,” said DILG-CAR Cordillera director Marlo Iringan during the program.

Brig. Gen. Henry Doyaoen, commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, urged citizens to voice out criticisms that are constructive and would benefit the country instead of doing it through the use of arms.

Brig. Gen. R’win Pagkalinawan, regional police director also urged citizens to seek support of the government instead of rebel groups to advance certain advocacies.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said, “There will come a time when we will have to make a choice to support the government and to advocate for peace. Let’s start a dialogue”.

Other government agencies such as the Departments of Justice (DOJ), Trade and Industry (DTI), Agriculture (DA), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units (LGUs) have also provided assistance to FRs.