PAGADIAN CITY, Aug 13 (PIA) -- The national government released a total of P2,834,000.00 benefit package to 27 friends rescued (FRs) in Zamboanga Peninsula under the DILG-administered Enhanced-Comprehensive Integration Program (E-CLIP) during a ceremony held at the Pavillon Hall, Provincial Government Center in Barangay Dao on Friday.

The check received by each FR is in the amount of P15,000 to P300,00 which was personally handed over by DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr., who was the guest of honor and speaker of the event.

Abalos in his message, portrayed the life of Marvie Nano who was a former member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) who at a very young age joined the leftist movement because she was only deceived by the wrong doctrine. With the help of the government, she now lives happily and peacefully with her family.

Marvie Nano who was only 14 years old when she joined the leftist movement, is one of the hundreds of those who surrendered who were given many benefits by the government. She was sent to school by the 53rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army and now she is in her 3rd year of college and is currently also benefiting from the government internship program (GIP) of DOLE-9.

She greatly appreciated the various agencies of the national government that gave their sincere and honest service, especially the 53rd IB that captured her in their operation.

"I am very grateful to the various government agencies that gave us the opportunity to take advantage of their programs and services that helped in the development of our lives," a tearful Nano said as she also urged her fellow FRs to cherish the help they are getting to improve their lives.

"We will not waste the help given to us by the government. Let's use it in the right way to improve our lives," she added.

Abalos is very happy with the change in the lives of the FRs because several FRs have become regular members of the army and others have become members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

"The success stories of the FRs are the result of the efforts of our president, congressmen, governors, mayors, law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police and national government agencies and stakeholders," Abalos added.

Secretary Abalos also presided over the destruction of 70 short and long firearms that were surrendered by the FRs as part of the demilitarization of turned-in firearms.

The interfacing with the district representatives and local chief executives of the Zamboanga Peninsula was also held where he listened and listed the problems faced by the LCEs, especially the recurring problem of illegal drugs, and security, among others. (RVC/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)