ILOILO – The Iloilo provincial government, in partnership with national security and interior agencies, has extended financial assistance to six former rebels in a renewed push to fast-track their reintegration into mainstream society and strengthen peace efforts in the province.
The cash aid was formally turned over during the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Fourth Quarter Meeting at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 6 office on December 19.
Leading the distribution were Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., DILG Region 6 director Juan Jovian Ingeniero, DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Carmelo Orbista, and Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Araño.
The beneficiaries, who surrendered and returned to the fold of the law, are from the municipalities of Janiuay, Tubungan, Maasin, and Miag-ao.
Each former rebel received P65,000 in financial assistance, with P50,000 earmarked as livelihood support and P15,000 provided as immediate assistance to help them transition back to civilian life.
The aid was released under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the DILG, which provides financial, livelihood, and social support to former members of rebel groups to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
Officials said the assistance underscores the government’s continuing commitment to peace-building, rehabilitation, and inclusive development, particularly in areas once affected by insurgency./PN
