Releasing Authority:
Dir. Arsenio R. Andolong
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Rene Glen Paje recently enjoined active members of communist terrorist groups (CTG) and violent extremists to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society.
He added that the public also has to be fully aware of the deceptions of the CTG and help the government as partners and warriors for peace.
“‘Yung mga aktibo pa, nag-iisip tayo ng mga paraan kung paano sila mahihikayat na tumigil na sa kanilang wala namang saysay na pakikipaglaban at pare-pareho naman tayong maghahangad ng mapayapa at masayang pamumuhay,” Paje said.
Speaking in May on Task Force Balik-Loob’s radio-television program “Balik-Loob sa Pagbabago,” aired over DWDD (1134kHz) AFP Radio and KTVQ2 Cable Channel 107, Paje said the DSWD is currently in talks with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and other agencies to expand the scope of assistance to include not only former rebels (FRs) but also former and current violent extremists.
The DSWD official said that the ongoing pandemic poses a great challenge in terms of delivering and communicating further to FRs the services under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Although this may be the case, Paje expressed the Department’s commitment and the prevailing sense of leadership of the agency and local government units (LGUs) to serve those who are in need.
He also said the DSWD is in continuous discussion with other government agencies for the enhancement of social protection of FRs, as well as the provision of necessary services such as sustainable livelihood programs, enrolment in the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) and in the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which are designed for them to start anew.
“We have seen many success stories — that because of their chosen new life, efforts, and prayers, their life became prosperous,” Paje said. “This, hopefully, can serve as an example to the rebels. Let us take advantage of this remaining time (to surrender).”
Through his previous experience as a member of the Philippine Army, Paje became aware of the condition of FRs in far-flung communities, thus igniting his vision to help them return to society and bring them back to their families.
For him, E-CLIP is a vital tool to help the returning rebels reintegrate into their communities and live a more peaceful life.
Facilitated by inter-agency Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL), E-CLIP continues to provide a wide range of benefits based on the particular needs of FRs and their families. These benefits include financial assistance, housing, education, skills training, healthcare, and legal assistance, among others, delivered through the synergy of various national and local government agencies.
Meanwhile, TFBL was organized to monitor and assess the implementation of E-CLIP at the national level. Established pursuant to Administrative Order No. 10 of President Rodrigo Duterte, TFBL includes the DSWD and other lead government agencies as well as other partner agencies that may be tapped to provide additional benefits and services to FRs. (DND)-jlo
