CAPIZ — A former rebel from the municipality of Tapaz received financial assistance from the provincial government through the government’s reintegration efforts for former combatants under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
Gov. Fredenil Castro formally welcomed the former rebel on Thursday, May 21, after the latter voluntarily returned to the fold of the law following more than 13 years of involvement with a communist terrorist group operating in the mountainous areas of Capiz.
As part of the assistance package, Castro personally handed over a P50,000 livelihood grant to help the former rebel establish a sustainable source of income. The beneficiary also received P15,000 in immediate assistance to support his transition back to civilian life.
The Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), which facilitated the processing and documentation of the former rebel, was also granted P21,000 in reintegration assistance to strengthen support services for former rebels undergoing reintegration.
The assistance aims to help the beneficiary rebuild his life and provide better opportunities for his family away from armed conflict.
ECLIP, a flagship program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), provides financial, livelihood, and social support to former rebels who choose to surrender and return to mainstream society.
The program is implemented in partnership with various government agencies, including the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the 62nd Special Action Company (62SAC) of the PNP-SAF, and units of the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) and 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).
Present during the turnover ceremony were PCPT Reymart C. Acabo, commander of 62SAC; Police Lt. Col. Ricardo B. Jomuad Jr., deputy provincial director for administration of the Capiz Police Provincial Office; representatives from the 12IB and 3ID; ECLIP focal person Adrian V. Torreblanca of the PSWDO; Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Joerine Tan; DILG Provincial Director Cherryl P. Tacda; and other DILG officials.
Officials said the assistance reflects the government’s continuing commitment to support former rebels as they reintegrate into their communities and pursue peaceful and productive lives./PN
