OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--The former rebels in the Province of Misamis Occidental face a bright future and new life after receiving cash rewards and food packs from the provincial government here through the efforts of Governor Henry Oaminal, February 7, at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center.
Some 98 former rebels received P3,000 in cash for fare allowance, and one squad leader received P500,000 in cash from Oaminal as financial assistance for returning to mainstream society.
"Mga kaigsuonan, atong gibuhat ang special program in addition sa mga privileges ug benefits nga gi-outline sa atong national government para sa mga kaigsuonan nato sa kabukiran nga mubalik sa atong kagamhanan, muuban sa pagpuyo ug paningkamot nga mulambo ang atong katilingban," Oaminal said.
(My brothers and sisters, we have created a special program in addition to the privileges and benefits outlined by our national government for our brothers and sisters in the mountains who will return to our government, live together, and strive to develop our society)
The governor is grateful that finally one of the squad leaders of the NPA decided to be back in the folds of the law and choose to live peacefully and harmoniously in the community.
"Sa iyang pagkanaog, tungod sa inyong pagtabang basin mao na kini ang susi nga makumpleto ug mahingpit ang pagkab-ot nga ma-insurgency free na ang Misamis Occidental. Kani imong pagbalik karon daghan malipay ani. Of course, malipay ang pamilya, katilingban ug mga Misamisnon," Oaminal expressed.
(When he steps down, because of your help, this could be the key to completing and achieving an insurgency-free Misamis Occidental. This time, now that you've come back, many people will be happy. Of course, family, society, and Misamisnons will be happy)
Meanwhile, 10th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer LTC Jose Andre R. Monje encouraged the members of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.
The assistance is for immediate support for their families while their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is in process.
Governor Henry Oaminal led the awarding of cash assistance together with 102nd Acting Brigade Commander Eddie Pilapil, 10th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Jose Andre Monje, MOCPPO Provincial Director Marlon Quimno, and DILG Misamis Occidental Provincial Director Pablio Benitez, Jr., at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center, Capitol, Oroquieta City.
The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is among the strategic initiatives of the government to obtain just and lasting peace by encouraging rebels to lay down their firearms in exchange for a package of assistance and eventually reintegrate themselves into the community.
Among the major priorities in line with the Asenso administration's vision, "Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawaon, Malambuon ug Malipayon," is to finally put an end to insurgency in the province towards a peaceful, happy, and prosperous Misamisnon. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
