ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA)—The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has emphasized the availability of various government assistance programs for members of the Communist Terrorist Group and other extremist groups, encouraging them to consider a peaceful and productive life within the community.
These include the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA).
The government extends amnesty and transformation programs to individuals affiliated with the CTG, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB).
“As of now we have more than P90 million dedicated solely for the rehabilitation and reintegration of our former rebels,” said 3ID spokesperson Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines during a recent press conference organized by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Roxas City.
He added that about 1,000 former rebels have already availed of the E-CLIP.
“Pag meron tayong problema sa mga FRs pinapasok natin dyan kahit papano mabigyan sila ng tulong,” noted Javines, referring to the AICS program.
(When we have problems with the FRs (former rebels), we make sure to provide them with assistance through the AICS.”
The 3ID official also acknowledged other programs of the national government and local government units that have contributed a lot to ending the insurgency problem.
“Insurgency is not purely a military problem. 90 percent of it is a socio-economic-political problem that requires the contribution of everyone,” he stressed, noting also the role and contribution of the local media in advocating for peace during the media interaction. (AGP/AAL/PIA Capiz)
