TACLOBAN CITY-A total of 48 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received government assistance during an E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) caravan held in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
The initiative was organized by the 802nd Infantry Brigade, in partnership with the provincial government of Eastern Samar, to help former rebels reintegrate into society.
Among the beneficiaries, 31 were assisted by the 52nd Infantry Battalion (IB), 15 by the 78th IB, and two by the 63rd IB.
E-CLIP is a government program designed to assist former rebels in their transition to civilian life by providing cash assistance; education and skills training;livelihood opportunities; housing and employment assistance; and loan support for business capital
During the caravan, various government agencies provided essential services, including psycho-social counseling, profiling, and interviews – facilitated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO); birth certificate and National ID registration – handled by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); PhilHealth ID registration – for healthcare benefits; free medical and dental check-ups, and medicines – provided by the Provincial Health Office; and turn-in slips and cost valuation certificates – issued by the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO).
Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also conducted orientation sessions to inform former rebels about available government programs.
Col. Rico Amaro, deputy brigade commander of the 802nd IB, commended the agencies involved for their support and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to helping former rebels access government programs.
“I hope this marks the beginning of our continuous cooperation. We will help address any challenges in the process so you can fully receive the benefits intended for you. In return, we hope you will also help us in our mission for a peaceful and prosperous Eastern Samar,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd IB, emphasized the importance of a whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency.
“Through partnerships and collaboration with government and non-government organizations, we send a strong message that unity and support create a stable foundation for former rebels as they reintegrate into society,” he said.
Vestuir also assured the public that the military remains committed to protecting former rebels and urged active NPA members to surrender so they, too, could live a normal and peaceful life.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
