ILOILO CITY (PIA) – Nine former rebels (FRs) in Iloilo have received P65,000 each in immediate livelihood assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The distribution of the assistance, totaling P585,000, was led by Iloilo Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, DILG-Iloilo director Engr. Carmelo Orbista, and 301st Infantry Brigade 3rd Infantry Division Commander BGen. Michael Samson during the 4th quarter meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council on November 19, 2024.
In addition to the livelihood assistance, the 31st Military Intelligence Company (MICO) and the three Military Intelligence Bureau (MIB) received P84,000, while the 61st Infantry Battalion received P105,000 as reintegration assistance.
BGen. Samson emphasized the importance of these government efforts in weakening the CPP-NPA. “These government efforts, like the distribution of checks through E-CLIP, contribute to the degradation of their capabilities. We aim to declare the area a stable internal peace status by the end of this year. While we hope all former rebels will return to mainstream society, our operations will continue for those who insist on fighting,” he said.
The E-CLIP program, administered by the DILG and the Department of National Defense, provides financial support and resources to aid the reintegration of former rebels, helping them to start anew and contribute to a peaceful society.
Meanwhile, the PPOC during its meeting, presented updates related to the peace and security situation of the province with Provincial Administrator Banias as the presiding officer.
Aside from the peace and order situation presented by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Iloilo also discussed updates on fire incidents in the province, while the Iloilo Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) presented the updates on the proposed conduct of Road Safety Summit.
Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Iloilo director Engr. Carmelo Orbista, on the other hand, gave an update on the status of implementation of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The PPOC likewise passed two resolutions, which seek to approve and give authorization to the governor to release and use the confidential fund of Iloilo province for the 4th quarter; and the resolution expanding the POPS Plan Technical Working Group. (AAL/PIA Iloilo)
