Program (E-CLIP), which aims to provide financial, livelihood, and other forms of support to former rebels (FRs) who decided to abandon armed struggle.
“This is the scenario nga happy gid kami nga marealize ta nga ang pagbalik nila sa mainstream society, not as a result of an an arm clash but because of the programs we have. We are all Filipinos and wala man siguro gusto sang lugar nga magulo, affected ang kabuhayan. Common goal man guru sa tanan ang katawhayan kag kalinong (This is the scenario that will make us happy knowing that their return to the mainstream society is not because of the result of arm clash but of the programs we have. We are all Filipinos and we don’t want any conflict as it will affect our livelihood. It is our common goal to attain peace and order),” Samson said.
The 82 former rebels already received immediate assistance of P15,000 each, while 28 FRs received livelihood assistance worth P50,000 each, and three FRs received firearm remuneration with a total amount of P86,000.
He also pushed for local peace initiatives among its counterparts, noting that issues of poverty and inequality, which are some of the factors for other residents to join the rebels, should be addressed in the local setting.
Meanwhile, the 301st IB vowed to dismantle the two remaining New People’s Army (NPA) fronts in Panay Island, namely the Southern and Central Fronts Committees.
“Gabudlay nga gabudlay ang amon operations, but at the same time, with these challenges, we are really determined and dedicated to finish our job, accomplish our mission kay para ini sa kalinong kag katawhay sang tanan (Our operation is getting harder, but at the same time, with these challenges, we are determined and decided to finish our job, accomplish our mission as it is for the safety and peace of everyone),” Samson said.
He also urged other rebels to not be afraid to surrender to the authorities, debunking the rumors that the army would torture them.
“The Philippine Army will be very happy to see nga tanan, the remaining members of the armed group magbalik sa sabak ka gobyerno para masugudan na naton ang projects nga gusto ipahimo sang gobyerno dira sa kabukiran, kung ano man da, like dams, road nets for tourism, maimplement pa kag makabulig pa (The Philippine Army will be very happy to see that the remaining members of the armed groups will go back to the government’s side. It is also for the government to start its projects in the mountain areas, like dams, and road nets for tourism that are beneficial for the public),” Samson added. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
