OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--In exchange of firearms turned over to the government upon surrender, two former rebels (FRs) were granted firearms remuneration assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The turnover ceremony was led by Provincial Governor Philip T. Tan together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Pablio L. Benitez, Jr. and Philippine Army 102nd Infantry Brigade Executive Officer, LTC Jose Andre R. Monje.

The said FRs received double the appraised value of their surrendered firearms amounting to P90,000 and P120,000, respectively.

“This shows the government’s commitment in promoting peace and helping the FRs as they embrace a peaceful life with their families and loved ones. The assistance will undoubtedly help the FRs with their livelihood and improve their standard of living enabling them to become more productive citizens in their respective communities,” Tan said.

Meanwhile, Benitez expressed his sincere hopes that the myriad of benefits and government assistance will encourage other rebels to surrender.

The increasing number of surrenderees in the province signifies the relentless efforts of the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in convergence with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National, and local government agencies. (DILG Misamis Occidental/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)