By Jason De Asis/PNA
BALER, Aurora – A former rebel operating in this province was awarded a financial assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) on Thursday.
Lt. Col. Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II, commander of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion of the Philippine Army, and acting Governor Rommel Rico T. Angara handed over checks worth PHP65,000 as immediate and livelihood assistance to former rebel, alias Apple/Rudy/Rohel, from Maria Aurora town, this province, at the Provincial Governor’s Conference Room, Provincial Capitol, in Barangay Suklayin here.
The event was also attended by officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) provincial office, headed by lawyer Ofelio A. Tactac Jr., Camay Joy Dedero from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), and Senior Supt. Cosme A. Abrenica, director of the Aurora Provincial Police Office.
“We are thankful for acting Governor Angara and the other stakeholders in this province for being active in implementing the E-CLIP,” Torrenueva said.
He said the former rebel was a regular member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who fell victim to the deception of the communist group. “Apple”, he said, decided to voluntarily surrender to the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion last February 27.
“The immediate assistance worth PHP15,000 and livelihood assistance of PHP50,000 were given as part of the implementation E-CLIP program of the government to a former rebel who returned to the folds of the law,” he said.
The surrenderer took an oath of allegiance and pledged his commitment, loyalty and support to the government. He, however, declined to be interviewed for fear of his life and his family’s safety.
