CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA) - - Some nine former rebels were given a total of P810,000.00 package assistance through the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) at the Governor’s Cottage, Cabarroguis recently.

The former rebels that include two regular NPAs and seven Militia ng Bayan member received packages of financial assistance such as Immediate Assistance of P15,000.00, Livelihood Assistance - P50,000.00 (for regular NPA only); Reintegration Assistance - P21,000.00 per Former Rebel (for Receiving Units); Firearms Remuneration which double the amount of the surrendered firearms.

In his message, Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua shared the parable of the Prodigal Son wherein he compared the former rebels to the prodigal son.

“Indeed, just like the prodigal son, the former rebels were once lost but have been found and just like the father in the story, the government welcomed them with a celebration,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, DILG Cluster Head Marietta F. Abalus explained that the ECLIP which is institutionalized through Administrative Order No. 10, is a complete package program for individuals who have decided to abandon armed struggle and return to the fold of the law and join the mainstream of the Philippine society.

“It is a peace building and social protection program that provides interventions to Former New People’s Army (NPA) Rebels and Militia ng Bayan in becoming productive citizens of society,” Abalus added.

The awarding ceremony was also attended by LGMEU Chief Gladys S. Luna of DILG Quirino, 2LT Judilyn Bugante of the 86 Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and PMAJ. William D. Agpalza, Chief of Police of Philippine National Police (PNP) Aglipay Station.  (MDCT/TCB/PIA Quirino/With reports from Gladys Luna of DILG)