LANAO DEL NORTE (PIA)--Three former rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) received financial assistance worth P220,000 thru the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 10-Lanao del Norte.

 “The provincial government headed by Provincial Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo expressed sincere gratitude to DILG, Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army (PA) for an active implementation of the ECLIP in our province. I would also like to appreciate these 3 former rebels in entrusting their lives to the government," Achmad Taha, head of the Peace and Order Committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan said during his welcome message. 

Under E-CLIP, the 2 former rebels received their immediate and livelihood assistance worth P65,00 each and the other granted his Firearms Remuneration worth P90,00 upon the thorough examination and cost evaluation of the PNP. 

DILG provincial director Bruce A. Colao shared that the ECLIP is seen to play a pivotal role in the attainment of the desire of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the aspiration of the Filipino people to end the local Communist armed conflict that has caused so much suffering when the term of office of the President ends. 

Moreover, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander BGen Rey B. Alemania in his address to the former rebels explained that their availment of the ECLIP was made possible by the President's issuance of Executive Order No. 70 whereby the whole or government has been involved towards the attainment of lasting peace by ending the 52-year-old Communist insurgency.

“The government helped you to experience a beautiful and peaceful life. This is a living proof that executive orders are not written for nothing but rather, its purpose were put into application. I hope that you can encourage your other colleagues to return to the the folds of the law," PCol. Salman M. Saad told the former rebels during said event. 

The Turn-over ceremony was conducted last March 15, 2022 at Virtual Room Capitol Building. Colonel Julius C. Librada GSC (CAV) of 5th Mechanized Battalion PA, Annabelle S. Mendez, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) were also present during the ceremony. (DILG Lanao del Norte/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)