TACLOBAN CITY-About nine former rebels in Eastern Samar were granted financial assistance through the government’s anti-insurgency initiative during a distribution ceremony held at the 78th Infantry Battalion camp in Borongan City.
Of these, five former rebels received a collective sum of P325,000 under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) facilitated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). E-CLIP aims to support the legal, economic, social, and psychological reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society.
Each of these beneficiaries, who surrendered to the 78th IB between 2021 and 2022, was provided P65,000 — comprising P15,000 in immediate assistance and P50,000 for livelihood support.
DILG-Eastern Samar Provincial Director Johannes Dorado and Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bugaoan personally handed out the aid.
Dorado urged the recipients to encourage others still in armed struggle to surrender, emphasizing the government’s ongoing support to ensure they lead better lives.
As part of a related initiative, the Borongan city government, led by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, extended cash assistance through the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) to three additional former rebels.
Two received P10,000 each, while another was provided P50,000. Mayor Agda reiterated the city’s commitment to assist any New People’s Army members who surrender, regardless of their residence status.
Lt. Col. Bugaoan reaffirmed the military’s dedication to fostering sustained peace and development in Eastern Samar and across the country, expressing gratitude for the continued support of local government units in anti-insurgency efforts.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
