CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The government’s intensified efforts to address the root causes of insurgency in northern Mindanao have yielded significant results, as evidenced by the growing number of former rebels returning to mainstream society.
The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) has been instrumental in facilitating the surrender and reintegration of these individuals. According to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), a total of 2,707 former rebels (FRs), now called friends rescued, have been enrolled in the program, with 1,237 coming from northern Mindanao.
“Naa sa 2,523 na ang natagaan og suporta gikan sa ECLIP (2,523 were given support from the ECLIP),” said MGen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on August 12.
Aside from financial assistance, the program also provides livelihood training to equip FRs with the skills needed to reintegrate into their communities and become productive members of society.
Furthermore, the “Balik-Loob” Program has contributed to the surrender of 49 Communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) to the various line units of the 4ID in the region, as well as their ability to receive various benefits from the government.
Complementing these efforts is the implementation of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) by the local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders in partnership with the 4ID. This program, which provides basic services and development projects in conflict-affected barangays, aims to address the issues exploited by communist terrorist groups to recruit locals.
The region has completed 51 SBDP projects, and 12 more are currently in progress. These projects, with a budget of P202 million, are expected to significantly improve the lives of residents in the identified areas.
Meanwhile, Cuerpo urged those still in the mountains to take advantage of the opportunities to return to the fold of law because the government is extending a welcoming hand for them.
“Nag-awhag ko sa among kaigsonan nga naa pa sa kabukiran na unta malamdagan na sila nga ang atong government is really opening its arms, aron sila makanaug. Aduna nay amnesty program ug aduna na tay local amnesty board willing to process the amnesty of individuals who have become victims of the wrong ideology, which as of now is irrelevant,” he emphasized.
(I urge our brothers and sisters still in the mountains to understand that our government is genuinely extending its arms to welcome them. There is now an amnesty program and a local amnesty board ready to process the amnesty for individuals who have become victims of outdated ideologies that are no longer relevant.)
The Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas with the Philippine Army is part of a weekly forum organized by the Presidential Communications Office and the Philippine Information Agency. This forum aims to increase government transparency and encourage public involvement by raising awareness about government programs, projects, and services, particularly those at the local level. (APB/PIA-10)
