NABUNTURAN, Davao de Oro (PIA) --Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga distributed on Monday (May 22) a total of PhP 1.2 million cash assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) to 28 former rebels.

The former regular member of the New People’s Army received PhP 65,000 for immediate and livelihood assistance, while the members of the Militia ng Bayan got PhP 15,000 for immediate aide.

During the turnover, Governor Gonzaga was assisted by Provincial Director Noel Duarte of the Department of Interior and Local Government – Davao de Oro, 1001st Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Felix Ronnie Babac, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Josephine Frasco.

The Governor encouraged the former rebels to continue to fight with them in having a government that truly works.

“Akong ipakasalig kaninyo, naa na lagi ang goberno. Dili na pareho sa una. Naningkamot na goberno mutabang sa ato, dili man perpekto pero hinay-hinay ginagmay naa na,” Governor Gonzaga said. (I can assure you that the government is here already. It’s not like before. The government is trying its best to help us, not really that perfect but at least, slowly even in small quantities, aide is given.)

Alias Eddie, one of the former rebels, expressed his gratitude to the government for the assistance. He said that he will utilize it as capitalization for livelihood, may it be sari-sari store, tailoring or hardware shop, farming, or hog raising.

Last April 4, some 75 other former rebels also received ECLIP assistance worth PhP 3.9 million.

Governor Gonzaga said that another batch of former rebels will receive their assistance as soon as it will be downloaded from the national government. (MLU/PIA Davao de Oro)