TUGUEGARAO CITY (August 15, 2024)— Some 45 former rebels in Cagayan province who surrendered to the government received financial assistance on Wednesday.
The number of rebels who were awarded cash assistance was based on the data from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
According to PSWDO, 36 of them were former members of the People’s Militia each receiving P15,000 immediate assistance while nine former New People’s Army regulars received P15,000 immediate assistance.
For their reintegration, the surrenderers received P21,000 and P50,000 livelihood assistance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Cagayan.
The financial assistance provided to the beneficiaries was funded under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) fund, a government program that aims to help former members of rebel groups who want to return to the government and live a normal life.
Gov. Manuel Mamba joined the activity as committee chairman of E-Clip.
In his message, Mamba emphasized the importance of choosing a leader who is willing to listen to those who do not have the strength and voice to express their ideals.
Also joining the activity were the DILG in Cagayan, Task Force Balik Loob, Cagayan Police Provincial Office, Army’s 95th Infantry Battalion, 17th Infantry Battalion and 502nd Infantry Battalion. LCD