MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)--One of the best legacies of the Duterte Administration is the Executive Order 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), said 1Lt Aries Manalili, Civil Operations Officer of the 10th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.
In the third episode of Let’s Talk MisOcc, virtual media forum, March 16, Manalili shared through ELCAC, “Maputol natin kung ano man ang root causes ng insurgency (We can cut whatever is the root causes of insurgency)."
“We are now able to go to places we were not able to reach before. Because of ELCAC, communities living in far flung areas are able to enjoy and avail of the basic services of the government,” he said.
Projects in these areas include barangay development programs, particularly roads, water system, health centers, barangay centers, and others.
A total of 97 former rebels surrendered in the province recently.
Based on interviews of former rebels, Manalili shared they were recruited by the local communist armed group or the New People’s Army (NPA) because of poverty and lack of support from the government.
As for those who wish to come back and live a normal life, it is important to accept them with open arms. Manalili explained they were also only victims of deception of the rebel group.
“May mga pangako na ibinigay sa kanila, at dahil sa kahirapan, na-exploit sila. Imbes na makabuti sa kanilang kabuhayan, napasama pa,” he said.
(There were promises given to them and because of poverty, they were exploited. Instead of improving their livelihood, it became life devastating)
Under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and rapid re-integration program, former rebels (FRs) will receive immediate cash assistance of P15,000 and P50,000 livelihood assistance. At present, a total of 84 FRs are enrolled in the program.
There are also housing projects for FRs worth P450,000 with the help of National Housing Administration (NHA) and Sustainable Livelihood Program from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for additional financial support.
“Itong programa, ay laging handa at laging open, bukas palad sa ating kapatid na nandiyan pa sa kabila, na gusto nang bumalik ang kalooban at gusto nang mamuhay ng payapa at tahimik at masaganang pamumuhay bilang isang normal na indibidwal,” he said.
(This program is always ready and open for our brother and sisters who are still on the other side, and would like to come to the folds of society to live a peaceful and bountiful life as a normal individual)
As to the next leaders, he reiterated the AFP is non-partisan, and will support whoever becomes the next president of the country, however, characteristics of the next leader should be at least God-Fearing and has a heart that would help elevate the life of the Filipino people. (JMOR/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
