BORONGAN CITY –Three former rebels from Eastern Samar province received financial assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Eastern Samar Provincial Director Visitacion Giva and 14th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Manuel Leo Gador led the awarding of financial assistance to the three former rebels over the weekend.
Each of the rebels received PHP65,000 for livelihood activities.
The financial assistance was broken down to PHP15,000 as immediate assistance, PHP50,000 as livelihood assistance.
One surrenderer received an additional PHP15,500 for turning over a firearm.
The former rebels completed a two-day training for former rebels on values formation and livelihood project management at the provincial capitol prior to the awarding of financial assistance.
Giva is hopeful that the assistance given to former rebels will truly help them in their quest to renew their life by integrating with the normal community and will become partners of the government in convincing other rebels to surrender.
“We assured that the government will continue to provide support. They will be monitored regularly to ensure that the awarded assistance is used properly,” Giva said.
Gador voiced optimism that with the assistance extended by the government, former rebels will now achieve their dreams of having a better life.
“Due to poverty, many are enticed to join communist rebels. The lack of opportunity to have decent jobs that can provide needs of the family also adds to this problem,” Gador said.
Through CLIP, the army is hopeful that this will contribute in achieving a lasting peace and economically developed community.
Gadro assured that the military will continue to support government agencies in curbing insurgency in Eastern Samar province by bringing basic services to remote communities. (Roel Amazona/PNA)
