ILOILO – Since the national government launched the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in 2019, which aims to provide assistance to former rebels, the Iloilo Provincial Government has recorded 231 rebel returnees — most of whom have already availed themselves of reintegration support.
According to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) acting head Rani Melvi Cuarte, from 2019 to December 2025, a total of 231 former rebels surrendered through various receiving units such as local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the religious sector, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
Of the total number, 95 were regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA), while 136 were identified as Militia ng Bayan or NPA supporters.
Cuarte explained that upon surrendering to any receiving unit, the individual undergoes an interview and profiling process. One major requirement for program eligibility is the Joint AFP–PNP Intelligence Committee Report or certification, which is forwarded to the provincial government through the PSWDO.
Local social workers also conduct additional profiling to determine the specific needs of each returnee.
Cuarte said former rebels may avail themselves of several programs, primarily under E-CLIP, which is funded by the national government.
Under E-CLIP, each qualified former rebel may receive P15,000 in immediate assistance and P50,000 in livelihood aid. Through the provincial government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), they are also provided another P10,000 in immediate support.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Sustainable Livelihood Program, extends an additional P15,000 in Livelihood Settlement Grants.
“The Iloilo Provincial Government under Gov. Toto Defensor has never lacked in its support. We provide AICS for immediate needs, and with our partners from the DSWD, former rebels receive livelihood settlement grants. We also enroll them in the E-CLIP program,” Cuarte said.
As of the latest report, E-CLIP has released P3,000,500 for immediate assistance, P3,550,000 for livelihood support, and P683,538 for surrendered firearms. Meanwhile, the provincial government has released P350,000 under AICS.
As of December 2025, 204 out of the 231 former rebels in the province have already received assistance, while the rest are currently undergoing processing.
Cuarte noted that the province has an E-CLIP Committee that works closely with LGUs and barangay officials to monitor the livelihood assistance provided to ensure that funds are used properly.
“The livelihood assistance has a significant impact. Many of our brothers and sisters who were once part of the armed movement have returned to the fold of the law and benefitted from these programs. The support gives them start-up capital to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society,” Cuarte added.
He also appealed to remaining rebels still in the uplands to lay down their arms and return to the government, reassuring them of continued support.
“We strongly encourage them to return to the government’s fold. Through the Iloilo Provincial Government, we assure them of full support and assistance so that peace, security, and reintegration can be achieved,” he said./PN