SINCE January this year, a total of 83 former New People's Army (NPA) rebels from various parts of the Caraga region have received P7,282,800 million worth of livelihood and financial assistance through the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-CLIP), a military official said Thursday.

The Eclip is the Department of Interior and local government's financial assistance package for the former rebels.

Army’s 4ID public affairs chief Captain Al Pueblas said the total amount of P7,282,800 was released to the beneficiaries in four separate ceremonies that were all held in Caraga areas.

Pueblas said the former rebels even surrendered 32 high-powered firearms consisting 6 AK47 rifles, 4 M16, 3 M4, 2 M14, 1 AR18 rifle, 2 home-made shotgun, 3 M203, 2 hand grenade launchers, 2 garand, an Uzi pistol, an Ingram, caliber .45, 3 calibers .38, a caliber 357 and several bullets.

“They were given complete remuneration to 32 high-powered firearms that they surrendered,” said Pueblas.

Pueblas said upon surrender, each of the returnees received P65,000 in assistance as part of the support packages of Eclip.

“P50,000 is for the livelihood grant while the additional P15,000 represents the initial cash assistance,” said Pueblas.

The benefits are on top of P21,000 reintegration assistance for each returnee that is coursed through their receiving units under the Philippine National Police and the Armed Force of the Philippines.

Of the 83 Eclip recipients were composed of 21 former rebels consisting 4 from 29IB, 15 from 23IB, and 2 from police regional office 13.

The 21 former rebels received a total of P2,340,000 from DILG financial assistance package consisting of P1,100,000 (livelihood), P300, 000 (immediate assistance) and P940,000 for firearms remuneration.

Pueblas said they received the assistance during the 2nd quarter provincial peace and order council meeting of Agusan del Norte at Balanghai Hotel in Butuan City.

On June 11, 2020, an additional 13 former rebels also awarded a total of P3,072,000 financial assistance package. These former rebels voluntarily surrendered to 30IB under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry Brigade.

The awarding was made through the Eclip committee of Surigao del Norte led by governor Francisco Matugas, with Caraga DILG Director Lilibeth Famacion.

Also on February 11, 2020, an additional 31 former rebels surrendered to the 29IB and received P660,800 Eclip benefits held at Headquarters in Brgy Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City.

Pueblas said, likewise E-CLIP benefits amounting to P1,210,000 were received by 18 former rebels who surrendered to the 36IB. They received their benefits package in Tandag City on February 10, 2020.

According to Pueblas, the Army and the PNP units where the former rebels have voluntarily surrendered would receive a total amount of P462,000.00 as Reintegration Assistance Fund.

The units would provide temporary shelter, food, and other assistance for the former rebels and their families while processing their E-CLIP benefits.

Pueblas said that since January this year, a total of eighty-three (83) former rebels under the 402nd Infantry Brigade have already received their E-CLIP under the DILG Financial Assistance package together with other benefits from TESDA, DOH, and DSWD.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte governor Dale B. Corvera, during the discussion in the 2nd Qtr PPOC meeting, directed the DILG Provincial Director to implement the operationalization of the Halfway House for the former rebels that had already completed on January 30, 2020.

Corvera said the operationalization is one of the most significant parts of the E-CLIP process that will ensure the redirection of the FR towards returning to mainstream society.

In a statement, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. General Maurito L. Licudine said that the E-CLIP has strengthened the impact of the combat operations in the mountains and would encourage more communist rebels to surrender in Caraga.

“The E-CLIP has induced a snowball of NPA rebel surrenderers. However, the E-CLIP benefits anchored under the task force ELCAC must be complemented with the implementation of different livelihood and infrastructure projects,” said Licudine

He added the delivery of basic services to the geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas to address the issues commonly exploited by the communist terrorist group.

“Once again, we urge all remaining communist rebel members to surrender and peacefully lay down their firearms,” he said, adding, “let the Caraganons experience genuine peace so that development and progress will take its course in the region.”

Licudine assured that those former rebels who surrendered would be secured to include their families and they would be given appropriate assistance under the direction of the TF ELCAC.” (Ben Balce)