BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Interior and Local Government extended yesterday P714,000 in financial and livelihood assistance to 14 former members of the New People’s Army, who had abandoned the armed struggle and pledged allegiance to the government.
DILG provincial director Roselyn Quintana said yesterday that the former rebels from Kabankalan City, Talisay City, Hinobaan, Ilog, Cauayan, and Isabela each received P65,000 in financial and livelihood assistance, through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson also distributed food packs, vegetable seeds, fresh milk, and hygiene kits to the former rebels, and lauded their decision to live a normal life with their families.
The distribution of checks was held at the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, and was led by Lacson, assisted by Quintana, P/Col. Romy Palgue – director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Col. Michael Samson – 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, among others.
Quintana also turned over P294,000 to the 15th and 62nd Infantry Battalions, and the NOCPPO for use in assisting the 14 former rebels in their reintegration to the mainstream society.
Lacson also thanked the former rebels for choosing peace, adding this will contribute a lot to the peace and order situation in the province.
While the pandemic continues to be a threat to the country, Lacson said the provincial government remains committed to help former rebels improve their lives and have a better future for their children. E-CLIP is a strategic flagship program of the national government to achieve peace and development agenda. It is implemented through the DILG, in coordination with local government units, and aims to help former rebels reintegrate to the community.*
