Ex-rebels get cash, livelihood assistance

CEBU, Philippines - Financial and livelihood assistance were given to three former members of the New People’s Army who voluntarily surrendered to government authorities recently.

The three former rebels, whose identities were withheld, used to operate in the province of Iloilo. They received on Monday at the Iloilo Capitol, the assistance under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), which would help ex-rebels re-integrate into their community.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr, handed to the three the amount of P65,000 each, representing P15,000 in immediate cash assistance and P50,000 in livelihood aid. Assisting the governor were DILG-Iloilo Director Teodora Sumagaysay and DSWD-Iloilo officer Neneth Pador.

Since the CLIP implementation in 2015, there are now six program beneficiaries, said Colonel Eric Uchida, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade. CLIP is a mandate to the local government units from the Office of the President as part of the efforts for local empowerment, he said.

Regular NPA members who wish to leave their organization and forget the fury of war; and those who have been inactive and started a peaceful life since 2011 but have not received the benefits under the CLIP may be entitled to receive such benefits, Uchida said.

“The amount being offered and awarded by the LGUs is a manifestation of good faith from the government for the former rebels to help them start a new life,” he said adding, “although the amount  may be small, if properly used, it can be of great help to start a livelihood.”

Aside from this, a cash incentive will also be given for every firearm surrendered by a rebel. A light machine gun is valued at P200,000, a Colt M16 rifle at P50,000, an M14 rifle at P60,000, and an M203 grenade launcher at P40,000.

Uchida said the firearms remuneration package will support the beneficiaries to start a new life for their families. They may also avail of TESDA skills training and other livelihood programs of the government.

Active NPA members should now return to the mainstream of society and the folds of the law, “for us to finally achieve peace and prosperity in this part of the region,” Uchida said. “No one benefits from war.”

Since last year, a total of 33 former rebels have already availed themselves of the CLIP program in Iloilo and Capiz provinces. —(FREEMAN)