Creation of commission on ex-rebel program ok’d

CEBU, Philippines- The Cebu Provincial Peace and Order Council during its regular session last Friday approved the creation of a commission that will handle the program for former rebels.

The commission, which will be under the office of Governor Hilario Davide III, will take charge of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) for former National People’s Army members, spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

According to DILG provincial director Jerome Gonzales, CLIP “seeks to contribute towards achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups.”

In his report before PPOC representatives, Gonzales said the program is open to regular members of the NPA “who have expressed the desire to abandon armed violence and become productive members of society.” Their spouses, parents and siblings are also included in the program, he added.

Gonzales said those who surfaced from January 2011 onwards, as well as those who have surrendered but did not receive full assistance under the defunct Social Integration Program are entitled to the offer.

Benefits include safety and security for the returnees by the time they surrendered and while enrolled in the program.

Each returnee gets an immediate assistance of P15,000 for mobilization expenses while his/her enrolment in CLIP is being processed, and another P50,000 as livelihood  assistance. The funds will be coming from DILG.

There is also remuneration for every firearm turned in by rebels.

The Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police Intelligence Committee is in charge at validating the identity of the surfacing rebel and the returned firearm.

Apart from financial assistance, healing and reconciliation initiatives to provide psycho-social support to former rebels, their families and communities are also given.  Gonzales said additional assistance may also be given to the returnees based on the reintegration plan.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale asked if CLIP won’t be a duplication to the Capitol’s program, which gives P30,000 to each returnee. The program was started during the administration of then governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

As an answer, Davide assured they will check on this concern. He also asked the DILG a list of all the names of former rebels.  (FREEMAN)