(PNA)
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — Seven former rebels from Carranglan town, Nueva Ecija province on Friday received PHP355,000 in financial assistance as part of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The seven, who surrendered to the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division of the Philippine Army (PA) last June, each received an amount ranging from PHP15,000 to PHP65,000.
“The financial assistance is one of many benefits and privileges for former rebels who will surrender and get back to the folds of the law,” Col. Rowen S. Tolentino, commander of the Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade, said during a short program held at the Old Capitol in Cabanatuan City.
Other attendees included representatives of the Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the local government units, headed by the Office of the Governor of Nueva Ecija.
Major Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., commander of the 7th Infantry Division (7ID), expressed his appreciation to the provincial government and other local government agencies for the immediate action in processing the benefits of the rebel returnees.
He also said the distribution of the financial aid is proof that the government is sincere in its program to counter insurgency.
Santos reiterated his call to rebels to surrender, highlighting that Christmas is fast approaching, and would be the best time to be with their families.
He assured that the 7ID will assist rebels who will lay down their arms.
