24 FRs receive Php1.56M E-CLIP assistance in Aurora
Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija -- To help 24 former rebels (FRs) in the province of Aurora start a new life together with their family as they reintegrate into mainstream society, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through Aurora Provincial Director Atty. Ofelio Tactac, handed-over the Php1,560,000.00-worth of financial assistance during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on March 30, 2021.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of the 91st "Sinagtala" Battalion, each FR received Php65,000 along with other financial assistance packages composed of livelihood assistance and firearm remuneration, depending on the benefits they qualify to.
"We hope to inform the remaining members of the terrorist group in Aurora that the government's financial assistance is still up for those who are willing to surrender their weapons and live a life in peace," said LTC Rubio.
The PPOC meeting was conducted at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan conference room, Capitol building, Baler, Aurora headed by Governor Gerardo A. Noveras, together with 1st Lieutenant Roberto G. Apelado Jr., acting civil-military operation officer f. 91IB; Colonel Julio Lizardo, Provincial Director of Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO); and, Atty. Ofelio Tactac, Provincial Director of DILG.
Glad that more FRs received financial assistance and will be able to be a partner for peace and development, LTC Rubio added, "We at the 91st IB are committed to do our part in the program’s continued efforts to aid former rebels who wish to turn over a new life. We guarantee the assistance for FRs to be recipients of the livelihood assistance program that our government offers for them."
Under the E-CLIP, the FRs will be given an opportunity for skills training and education from the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and other agencies - whichever option fits them best, to live normal lives and be productive citizens.
Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo, commander of 703rd Infantry Brigade, said that the financial assistance given to the FRs is a manifestation of the strong commitment of the government to encourage more rebels to surrender to achieve long-lasting peace in the community.
Meanwhile, the commander of the 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr., reminded the 24 E-CLIP beneficiaries to spend their financial assistance wisely, productively, and never waste this opportunity of a lifetime.
"Nawa'y magamit nyo ang perang ito upang mabago ang inyong pamumuhay matapos ninyong iwanan ang armadong pakikibaka na walang katuturan. Ang bawat sentimo ng inyong natanggap ay nagmula sa taumbayan na umaasa sa inyong tuluyang pagbabagong buhay," said Maj. Gen. Rosario Jr.