63 Cordi ex-NPA rebs, 124 others get government aid

BAGUIO CITY— Some 63 former rebels and 124 mass supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) in the region received financial assistance amounting to P15 million under the  government’s enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-CLIP).

“As of today, a total of 63 FRs and 124 ‘Militia ng Bayan” were given financial assistance under the E-CLIP program which is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s advocacy in reintegrating former rebels (FR’s) back to society, and help improve their living conditions,” said Local Government operations officer Trisha Marie A. Dogup, ECLIP coordinator of the Dept. of the Local and Interior Government Cordillera in a teleconference Wednesday.

With the P15 million financial assistance given, breakdown was: P2.7 million immediate assistance; P2.7 million livelihood assistance, P6.4 million firearms remuneration and P3.2 million for reintegration assistance.

She said government’s commitment to deliver E-CLIP benefits will be done despite the Covid pandemic.

Dogup added reintegration of the FRs in mainstream society will be monitored by the government, particularly their safety as well as those of their families.

She extended the invitation to other rebels still in the mountains to come down and avail of the reintegration program of government.

The DILG  as implementing agency of E-CLIP, entitles a former rebel to receive immediate assistance of P15,000; livelihood assistance, P50,000; and firearms remuneration that is double the cost valuation of surrendered firearms;

Other assistance such as PhilHealth enrollment; registration to government entities; healing and reconciliation initiatives, shelter, legal, medical and employment assistance may be provided by partner agencies. 

A reintegration assistance of P21,000 is also provided to the processing/receiving unit/s for the subsistence or meal cost of FRs who have been placed under the protection of government troops while processing their other benefits under the E-CLIP.