By Alwen Saliring

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has turned over some P13.8 million worth of assistance to the 350 former rebels in Bukidnon at Camp Alagar in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday, August 3.

Led by DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., the former members of the New People's Army (NPA) received financial support in the form of immediate assistance worth P15,000; livelihood assistance worth P50,000; reintegration assistance worth P21,000; and firearms remuneration depending on the surrendered firearms.

The assistance is part of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which aims to help former rebels start a new life after returning to the folds of the law.

“The Region 10 is fortunate to have this activity personally attended by SILG Abalos, who will be visiting the region for the first time in his term,” DILG-Northern Mindanao Director Arnel Aagbe said.

Agabe said the presence of the Secretary will surely boost the morale of the agencies behind the efforts in attaining lasting peace in the region as well as encourage more rebels to surrender already.

During the turnover, an additional of 49 former rebels from Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro also formally surrendered.

Also  some 183 firearms surrendered by the rebels were also demilitarized during the activity.

“We are glad of this progress in Region 10 and we are looking forward that with the aid of our partner agencies, we will continue to convince more members of the rebels to already surrender to the folds of the government,” Agabe said.