Kalinga extends over P.3M financial aid to 4 rebel returnees for fresh start

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Returning to the fold of law has been made easier for former rebels with the launching of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in 2018 – a peace-building initiative of the national government.

The program has continued to benefit thousands of rebel returnees to date, and in Kalinga, another batch was awarded a package of assistance on Monday, May 13.

As the program mandates, the four former rebels were provided with immediate assistance, livelihood assistance, and firearms remuneration.

The amount of assistance awarded to them totaled P341,969.28. Their identities, meantime, were withheld.

Based on the press release by the provincial government, the former rebel from New Tanglag received the highest amount of assistance – P153,538.06, while the rebel returnee from Dilag received P100,431.22.

For the rebel returnees from Lubuagan, P19,000 was awarded to the recipient from Mabilong, who is a former Militia ng Bayan member, while a former NPA member received P69,000.

The amount of assistance varied as some of the recipients were entitled to P15,000 immediate assistance, P50,000 livelihood assistance, and firearm remuneration ranging from P4,000 to P88,538.06 while the ex-Militia ng Bayan member was only given P15,000 immediate assistance and P4,000 firearm remuneration.

In a statement made by Governor James Edduba, he highlighted the need to show compassion to rebels, as this encourages them to return to the fold of the government, giving them a chance to live a new life.

With the aid given, the governor is optimistic that the former rebels will utilize it for its intended purpose, improving not only their lives but also those of their families.

As for the government troops, Edduba commended them for their unwavering efforts and dedication in maintaining peace and order not only in the province but in the country as a whole.

Joining the governor during the awarding were DILG-Kalinga Provincial Director Anthony Manolo Ballug, LtC. Joel V. Lucas of the Philippine Army, PLTCOL Wilson Lagan Jr. of PNP Kalinga, and Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer Rose Oyawon.