SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) -- Cash assistance was recently granted to four former rebels who expressed their return-support to the government.

Under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), three of the former rebels who were formerly active members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) received P65,000 each.

The amount of P50,000 is given for the former rebels’ livelihood assistance that can be used for their desired occupation or income; the remaining P15,000 is immediate assistance and can be used for any needs of the beneficiary.

“Ang isa pang sumuko ay kasapi ng Militia ng Bayan at tumanggap siya ng immediate assistance o halagang P15,000,” said Rosalina Lamoca from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

[The other rebel who surrendered was a member of the Militia ng Bayan and he received immediate assistance with the amount of P15,000.]

Lamoca explained that helping the former rebels does not end with the distribution of the said financial assistance. She added that it would be better if educational assistance could be given to the children of the former rebels.

“May mga partner agencies tayo na katuwang sa pagtulong sa mga former rebels. Hiling lang natin na sana ay ilagay din nila sa kanilang priority programs ang pagtulong sa mga anak ng mga former rebels,” she said.

[We have partner agencies who collaborate in helping the former rebels. We just hope that they will also put focus on helping the children of the former rebels in their priority programs.]

In the recent meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), members of the PPOC agreed to recommend to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to allocate adequate funds for the reintegration program of former rebels.

Lamoca said that if the SP approves the recommendation, the former rebels can expect additional aid should it be needed. According to Lamoca, longer guidance is necessary for the former rebels because it will not be easy for them to change their lives, especially since the purpose of E-CLIP is to return them as responsible Filipino citizens. (GATS/PIA MIMAROPA)

BANNER PHOTO COURTESY OF 76TH INFANTRY BATTALLION/PHILIPPINE ARMY