THE ENHANCED Comprehensive Integration Program (ECLIP) Committee of Misamis Occidental has launched a reintegration program for the former rebels at the Headquarters of the 10th Infantry Battalion, Burgos, Oroquieta City to enqble them to lead a normal life.
ECLIP is a multi-dimensional intervention that covers spiritual enrichment, family therapy, psychiatric and psychological services, livelihood planning, and skills development and among others through a convergence of various national and local government agencies.
The 20-day Rapid Reintegration Program was initiated to further prepare the FRs as active partners in nation-building.
In his welcome message, 10th IB Commanding Officer, LTC Ray Tiongson is very happy that 13 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion (IB).
“We believe in the kindness of their hearts before they were radicalized by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) through the New People's Army. Their innocence was abused. They were made to believe that bearing arms and waging war against the government is the way to achieve their means,” Tiongson shared.
“Ngayon nandito na kayo, titiyakin namin ang inyong seguridad hanggang sa inyong pagbabalik sa ating shudad." - Now, that you are here we will make sure that you are secure until such time that you will be able to go back to the community, Tiangson added.
Tiangson emphasized, “Malaya na kayo sa sibilisasyon ng Kumunistang Groupo- New People’s Army at magkakaroon ng bagong pag-asa.” - You are now liberated from the bondage of the rebel group the New People’s Army therefore you have the choice to live a new life.)
For his part, DILG MisOcc, Provincial Director, Pablio Benitez Jr said the initiatives and fulfillment of this government program is one of the important projects that help not only the former rebels who are returning to the folds of the society but also to their families and communities they came from. Benitez also assured the ex-rebels of the government's support and the immediate release of their benefits.
Benitez explained that under the ECLIP each former rebel receives P15,000 immediate cash assistance and P50,000 livelihood assistance as well as remuneration for every firearm they will bring along during their surrender.
“The ECLIP committee is sincere in improving the lives of the former rebels by giving them financial assistance and sustainable source of livelihood for them to support their families. With this program, we are hoping that more rebels will return to the fold of law and seek a peaceful and productive life,” Benitez said
For his part, represented by Governor Philip Tan, Provincial Administrator Edimar Alota assures former rebels that the government of Misamis Occidental supports this reintegration program.
On behalf of fellow FRs, John Cualopez expressed gratitude to the government for the renewed hope and for giving them another chance to catch up and recover from lost times and opportunities. The program from the government will surely help them start anew, he said.
Stakeholders and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) committee headed by Provincial Governor Philip Tan continue to work for the effective and efficient implemention of the program in Misamis Occidental. (By Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon)
No comments:
Post a Comment