MAGPET, North Cotabato (PIA) -- Twenty one former rebels here received Monday a total of P1.1 million under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Plan (E-CLIP) of the government.

Said assistance was handed-over by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), together with the Provincial Government of North Cotabato and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This aims to augment the reintegration needs of former rebels as they return to the fold of the law.

In her message, Governor Nancy Catamco encouraged the former rebels to use the financial assistance by opening a small business. She also reminded them to take part in the campaign of the government to promote peace and order in the province.

Aside from the P1.1 million, the former rebels were already given P15,000 each from the provincial government following their surrender.

Renante (not his true name), former rebel and a resident of Barangay Don Panaca expressed gratefulness for the assistance he received from the government. With his surrender, he noted that he made a right decision as he is now free from hiding from government forces and can now be with his family.

Meanwhile, BGen. Potenciano Camba, commander of the 1002nd Infantry (Bagwis) Brigade of the Philippine Army, emphasized that the government is doing its best to help former rebels who were just victims of the New People’s Army doctrine.

Camba also extended his appreciation to local government units and the national government agencies supporting the various programs implemented under EO 70 to end local communist armed conflict. (With reports from IDCD-PGO)