Ex-NPA rebels receive aid

MALAYBALAY CITY – Dozens of former communist rebels have received as much as P50,000 as part of the government Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in an effort to support those who returned to the fold of the law.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government led the distribution of the cash aid held recently at the headquarters of the 403rd Infantry Brigade here. It said 77 former rebels received P15,000 and 59 others were given additional livelihood assistance worth P50,000 each.

Rhona Abadilla, the DILG provincial director, said the E-CLIP aims to help members of the New People’s Army and the Militia ng Bayan to live peacefully with their families. “Through E-CLIP, they can be integrated back into the community, be with their families, and start over with their new, normal lives,” Abadilla said.

The event included the turnover of firearms, release of reintegration assistance, and firearms remuneration.

Col. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said that the Amnesty Cluster and the Bukidnon Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict are always ready to serve and facilitate the distribution of aid the government had pledged to those who returned to the fold.

“To the Friends Rescued (former rebels), now is the right time to tell your former comrades that it’s never been too late to make a change in their lives. Please help us in urging them to coexist in peace with their family. May this activity inspire NPA members who want to avail of the government's integration program,” Dumosmog said. (Mindanao Examiner)